Wife Shoots Retired Pembroke Pines Sergeant Dead, Then Kills Herself

Joanne Baker, 59, allegedly shot her husband John, 62, a retired police sergeant, inside their Pembroke Pines home. Their deaths came one month after their 40th wedding anniversary.

Retired Sergeant and Wife Found Dead in Pembroke Pines Home

A retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant and his wife were found shot to death inside their Florida home this week, according to Law & Crime. Authorities believe Joanne Baker, 59, fatally shot her husband John Baker, 62, before turning the gun on herself.

Officers from the Broward Sheriff's Office responded to the couple's residence on the 8300 block of Pine Drive in Pembroke Pines on Monday and found both victims dead inside. Investigators said the preliminary findings indicate no threat to the public, NBC affiliate WTVJ reported.

John Baker joined the Pembroke Pines Police Department in 1994 and served in multiple roles over his career. He co-founded the department's Crisis Response Team, which the agency described as dedicated to "assisting first responders during times of tragedy," and eventually rose to the rank of sergeant.

On Aug. 10, 2019, Baker was riding a department motorcycle on duty when a car cut into his path. The collision left him with critical injuries affecting his speech and movement. Through rehabilitation, he regained limited motor skills.

Beginning the following month, Joanne documented her husband's recovery on a GoFundMe page, sharing updates on his progress, activities, and plans. Her final post, dated Feb. 13, 2025, included photographs of John and a message looking ahead: "Looking forward we have a family cruise planned in May, lots of concerts and Spring football."

The couple's deaths came approximately one month after their 40th wedding anniversary, per McClatchy News.

Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the manner of the deaths has not yet been officially determined.

Source: Law & Crime