|
Updated: 9:09 PM Nov 19, 2009
Trial Delayed for Chilean Shooter: Deemed Legally Incompetant
Dannie Roy Baker, the Walton County man accused of a February shooting rampage that killed two Chilean exchange students and wounding three others, will not be standing trial for murder, at least not now.
Posted: 8:25 PM Nov 19, 2009Reporter: Meagan O'Halloran Email Address: meagan.ohalloran@wjhg.com |
|
Dannie Roy Baker, the Walton County man accused of a February shooting rampage that killed two Chilean exchange students and wounding three others, will not be standing trial for murder, at least not now.
Baker and his attorney were in court this morning for a mental competency hearing.
Both the defense and state psychiatrists testified that Baker is mentally incompetent.
The judge agreed, ordering Baker be committed to the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee for an undetermined length of time.
If his treatment improves to the point where he is mentally competent, Baker will be brought back to Walton County to stand trial.
When asked, Baker's public defender Lenny Platterborze would not reveal any prior mental health history.
MO’H: "Was he ever diagnosed with a psychological condition, you had said he had psychological problems?”
Defender: "I believe he has"
MO’H: "What was that condition?"
Defender: "I’m not at liberty to say at this point."
The Judge concluded that Baker was indeed legally and mentally incompetent.
"Mr. Baker, at this time the court is finding that under statute 962106, that you're incompetent to proceed, and I am going to have the Sheriff transport him to Florida State Hospital and he will remain there until further court order."
Baker is accused of two counts of first degree murder, three counts of attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery, and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Authorities say the 60-year-old opened fire on a group of Chilean exchange students at these units at the Summer Lake Townhomes in Mirimar Beach.
Investigators say Baker left his townhouse carrying a rifle, walked across the complex to the victims' unit, and opened fire.
After the shootings he locked himself inside his condo and waited for authorities to arrive.
He surrendered 4-hours later, when sheriff's officials deployed an armored special response vehicle.
The shooting received worldwide attention, because of the victim's nationalities.
For more on the WJHG.com Commenting Policy, click here.
- Plane Crash Victim Dr. Evan Zeiger Remembered
- Santa Rosa Sheriff's Lt. Charged with 120 Counts of Sexual Battery on a Minor
- First Balcony Fall of Spring Break
- Not Guilty Verdict in Pot Trial
- Local Financial Adviser Loses Challenge By Three Investors
- Child Porn Indictment
- Judge refuses to restrict gambling task force
- Spring Break Car Crash Results In $9 Million Law Suit Jury Verdict
- Passenger Injured During Short Vehicle Pursuit in Marianna
- Area Fantasy Five Winner
- Spring Break Abortion Protest
11 Comments - Plane Crash Victim Dr. Evan Zeiger Remembered
10 Comments - Birmingham Neurosurgeon dies in vintage plane crash off northwest Florida Coast
8 Comments - Local Financial Adviser Loses Challenge By Three Investors
7 Comments - Not Guilty Verdict in Pot Trial
3 Comments - Florida Teacher Fight Looming
2 Comments
![]() |
Scam Alert! Don't be scammed! Find the latest scam's right here, or report one! |
![]() |
Pet Pals See what animals are up for adoption. |
![]() |
Money Talks CPA and Money Reporter, Stacey Johnson brings you helpful financial tips and consumer news you can use! |
![]() |
Health Watch Watch Videos and Read the latest Health news. |
![]() |
Go Green! Have a question about Energy Savings? Ask the Experts here! |









