Pastor David Baker shoots himself after child abuse charges

David Baker, pastor and father of 11 took his own life by shooting himself twice in the chest in a hospital toilet after being released on bail charged with sexually assaulting a child under the age of 12.

“Wolf in sheep’s clothing” David Baker Sr had just posted a $200,000 bond while facing charges of aggravated sexual battery of a minor family member. He was a church pastor but a former worshipper has said “there was nothing godly about him”.

It was reported that Baker, having just posted for release from jail, entered a bathroom at Maury Regional Hospital and shot himself twice in the chest. He was accused of sexually assaulting a child under 12-years-old.

Despite the swift response and life-saving attempts by the emergency department staff, Baker did not survive his self-inflicted injuries. Aimee Spires, a former member of Lighthouse Baptist Church where Baker had preached, told FOX 17 News: “There was nothing Godly about him. He was, he is, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

At the time of his arrest, Baker was actively preaching at Family Baptist Church and had previously held the position of vice president at Independent Baptist Online College. He also ran for Maury County Mayor, in Tennessee, US, but lost a defamation lawsuit during his campaign.

Tiffany Boyd, a former congregant and campaigner, didn’t mince her words when lambasting David Baker amid the scandal, reports the Mirror US. She said: “A hypocrite. There are a lot of words, but many of those, I can’t say on camera, it’s infuriating. I mean, it really, it’s infuriating.”

In the wake of the harrowing revelation and the suspicions that there may be more victims yet uncovered, Spires said: “I was angry because all the victims that there is, there’s no telling how many victims, how many girl victims that are out there that he may have done this to, He’s a coward.

@preacherboyspod CW: S**cide/CSA On September 11, 2024, Pastor David Baker walked into the restroom of Maury Regional Medical Center and shot himself twice in the chest. After the shots were fired, the hospital went into lockdown, and hospital staff tried to save him, but his s**cide attempt proved successful. To understand why this happened, you need to understand who David Baker was and the events that led up to this moment. I created a 25 minute video/podcast episode that details everything you need to know about the scandals surrounding Baker’s life and death. Listen to the full breakdown on the Preacher Boys Podcast or watch on the Preacher Boys YouTube channel. #preacherboys #truecrime #ifb #letusprey ♬ original sound – Eric Skwarczynski

Meanwhile, the officials from Maury Regional Health confirmed the local authorities were in charge of the investigation’s location. “We are deeply saddened by today’s events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD.

“The welfare and safety of our patients and healthcare team members are paramount at Maury Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, Emergency Department staff and Columbia Police Department.”