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Updated: 8:02 AM Nov 7, 2009
Babysitter's Family Members React To Her Arrest
The search for 7-month-old Shannon Dedrick may have ended on a happy note Wednesday night in Chipley. But the legal problems for one of the suspects are just beginning.
Posted: 8:02 AM Nov 7, 2009Reporter: Vanessa Nguyen Email Address: vanessa.nguyen@wjhg.com |
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The search for 7-month-old Shannon Dedrick may have ended on a happy note Wednesday night in Chipley.
But the legal problems for one of the suspects are just beginning.
Beaufort, South Carolina authorities are reopening the 1987 disappearance case of 3-year-old Paul Baker.
Babysitter Susan Baker has been a suspect for a number of years.
Baker's family still doesn't believe she's guilty of either crime.
The arrest of Shannon Dedrick's mother, Crystina Mercer and her babysitter, Susan Baker, has left many people in the Chipley community in shock.
Several people still can't believe the two are responsible for her disappearance, including members of Baker's family.
"I couldn't hardly believe it. I thought she was a good person."
Baker's half-sister, Donna Shirley, says she talked to Susan several times during Shannon's disappearance and never sensed she had anything to do with it.
"Matter of fact, Susan seemed like she was real upset about it."
Washington County Sheriff Bobby Haddock confirmed Baker was not only Shannon's babysitter, but also her aunt.
Her sister-in-law, Valerie Shirley, still believes she's innocent.
"I believe she was framed. I believe Tina set her up on that."
Mercer and Baker are facing a long list of criminal charges for their involvement in her disappearance.
In addition to that, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office sent an investigator down to Chipley to see if there was any new evidence to link Susan Baker to the 1987 disappearance of Paul Baker.
Susan was the boy's babysitter and married his dad, James, after he divorced his first wife.
She claims she put paul down for a nap, only to come back and find him missing.
South Carolina authorities have never been able to find Paul Baker.
Susan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing the couple's daughter but was later released.
"Sue's not a violent person at all, I've known her for probably 40 years now," says her half-brother James Shirley.
"She wouldn't hurt nobody. Not a child, nobody."
NewsChannel 7 tried to reach the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office but our calls were not returned.
Despite what has happened, Baker's family members say they will still stand behind her.
"She's still my sister and I love her."
We spoke to Susan Baker's husband, James, late this afternoon.
He says he had no idea baby Shannon was inside the house the entire time.
Both women refused interview requests.
Latest Comments
To family who say Sue wouldn't hurt a child: Nina Hernandez is 29 years old but she remembers being locked in a closet by Baker, two decades ago in SC. "I don’t remember everything, scars on my back, scars on my fingers I don’t know how I got those.(In'87 Nina was found to have broken bones and sores on her back, by CPS she told investigators Baker beat her with a stick.) She remembers the days when she was first learning to count, Baker punished her for faltering at the number 10. For each mistake, Baker repeatedly dunked her head in a bathtub filled with water, bringing her up for short breaths. When she finished, the water was red with blood. And the time said James Baker, Sue beat Nina so hard, he had to pull her off the child, for fear that she would kill her. She then turned on him. For this abuse, Baker was found guilty of assault and battery H&A. She was sentenced to 10 years. Yet served only 80 days (time served) and probation; by Circuit Court Judge Luke Brown.
Suzen an Crystina should be put to DEATH for this!!! How could someone do something like this to something so little!!! They have no right to be on this Earth anymore!! that's just my opinion.
Look, it is unbelievable to me that this "Mr. Baker" did not have any idea that baby Shannon was in this house the entire time. You know that baby had to have cried at some point. He knew, he just doesn't want to be held accountable for it. None of us know the reasons behind what has happened, but one thing i do know, and that is that God took care of that little angel. I totally agree with Sheriff Haddock when he said that God has something special for this baby to do in her life. I hope too that we all get to see it. God still works miracles, and this is truly one of them. I can say that i have met baby Shannon's grandmother Ms. Kandis Boyer, and i can tell you that she loves that baby so very much. She is a very special person, and i will continue to pray for the all the family, and most of all little baby Shannon. God Bless you.
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