Retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant killed in murder-suicide at home

Joanne Baker shot and killed her husband, retired Sgt. John Baker, before turning the gun on herself at their Pembroke Pines home Monday morning.

Retired sergeant and wife found dead in Pembroke Pines home

Two people discovered unresponsive at a Pembroke Pines residence on Monday morning have been identified as the victims of a murder-suicide, cbsnews.com reports, citing the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO).

Officers from the Pembroke Pines Police Department and paramedics from the Pembroke Pines Fire Department responded to a 911 call shortly after 7 a.m. regarding two unresponsive individuals in the 8300 block of Pine Drive. Upon arrival, emergency crews found John Baker, 62, a retired Pembroke Pines Police Department sergeant, and his wife, Joanne Baker, both dead.

Detectives from the BSO Homicide and Crime units were subsequently called in to conduct the death investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that Joanne shot and killed John before turning the gun on herself. Investigators have not disclosed what may have prompted the shooting.

The official manner and cause of death will be determined by the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office. The investigation remains ongoing.

John Baker had suffered serious injuries in an on-duty motorcycle crash in August 2019, after a car turned into his path. The crash left him with critical injuries that affected his speech and movement. "Through perseverance and the help of his family and medical team, Sergeant Baker regained limited motor skills," police said in a statement. "Despite his accident, Sergeant Baker stayed active in supporting the community."

Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, who said he had known Baker for more than 20 years, remembered the retired sergeant as someone who loved police work and continued to inspire others after the crash. "He was always … inspiring young officers," Castillo said. The mayor noted he had last seen and spoken with Baker just the previous week.

The Pembroke Pines Police Department issued a statement mourning his death. "The entire PPPD family mourns the sudden loss of Sergeant John Baker," police said. "Even with the challenges he faced from his work-related injury, his joyful and positive personality always persisted. Our deep condolences are with his children, family and his many friends during this difficult time."

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)