A Texas man who opted not to face a Pittsburg County jury on a charge of first-degree murder has been sentenced to life in prison.
Clint Edward Baker, 33 of Crockett, Texas, walked into a Pittsburg County District Courtroom on Thursday and pleaded no contest to the murder charge he faced in the brutal slaying of Todd Rich.
Rich’s body had been found on Krebs Lake Road area in March 2007.
He had been beaten and his throat had been cut, according to court documents. Both Rich and Baker were truck drivers.
After Baker pleaded “no contest” to the crime, Associate District Judge James Bland sentenced him to life in prison, based on a plea agreement with District 18 District Attorney Jim Bob Miller’s office.
By making the plea, Baker avoided the possibility of being sentenced to death by lethal injection if he had been convicted of the murder.
Prosecutors had filed a bill of particulars serving notice they intended to seek the death penalty in the case. Bland dismissed the bill of particulars during the plea hearing on a motion from the district attorney’s office.
Baker now faces the possibility of someday winning parole from prison — since he also avoided a possible sentence of life without the parole if had been convicted by a jury.
The body of Rich, of California, had been found on the night of March, 17, 2007, according to an affidavit filed in the case by Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Agent John Jones.
Rich’s battered, bloody body had been left on the road, according to investigators. He had been 42 at the time of the murder.
During the plea hearing, First Assistant District Attorney Richard Hull and Wade Dodson represented the state.
Baker appeared with attorney Jeff Belote. Attorneys Jeremy Beaver and Belote have represented Baker during pre-trial hearings.
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
Local News
Baker cops a plea in murder
- Local News
-
-
Shelter Documentary
On Thursdaythe Good Samaritan Outreach Shelter for Men was featured in a documentary by the First United Methodist Church in McAlester. Pictured from left is Thursday. Pictured from left is Chris Symes associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, Stephen LeFlore shelter director and Bill Derichsweiler shelter treasurer.
-
Man involved with recent meth lab explosion pleads guilty
A McAlester man who was recently involved with a local meth lab explosion pleaded guilty Friday in Pittsburg County District Court.
-
McAlester sets first-ever TEAM meet
Something new is in store for McAlester — a meeting to bring together many of the major organizations in the city.
-
McAlester's Make a Difference Day project is finalist for award
McAlester’s Make a Difference Day project was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s “Encore,” award, which was just renamed the “All-Star Award.”
-
All Saints' Episcopal to hold craft and chocolate sale
The men and women of All Saints’ Episcopal Church are hand-crafting goodies and gifts for the community to purchase for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
-
Rowe seeks road less-traveled
Dustin Rowe believes he’s taking the road less traveled — at least among the current slate of Republican Second District Congressional candidates.
-
Local hotel guests charged with child abuse
A couple that was staying at a local hotel have been arrested and charged with child abuse.
-
OSP names officer/supervisor of year for 2011
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary recently released the names of their 2011 employees of the year.
-
Eufaula housekeeper accused of theft
A Eufaula housekeeper has been accused of stealing checks from a home in Longtown and forging them to buy groceries, gas and pay an electric bill.
-
Okla. investigators offer reward in double killing
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information about the deaths of two men in Pittsburg County more than a year ago.
- More Local News Headlines
-








