Driver sentenced in singer's death
Man who left scene of accident gets probation
By Schuyler Kropf
MONCKS CORNER — The driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a Canadian gospel music star on a dark stretch of road was sentenced to probation Monday after a judge agreed he had left the accident scene because he was stunned from the collision.
Tim Baker
Tim D. Baker, 36, of Goose Creek was behind the wheel on Jan. 7, 2006, when he slammed into a tour bus that was attempting to pull into the Calvary Church of the Nazarene parking lot on Red Bank Road.
Gospel musician Warren Parker was killed in the accident. He had been outside helping direct the bus.
Baker was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death, which in the most-severe instances can draw up to 25 years behind bars.
In court Monday, Baker's attorney Peter David Brown said his client's view had been blocked that night by the vehicle traveling in front of him and that he never saw the 40-foot-long tour bus or Parker. Additionally, Parker was not wearing reflective gear or using flares on the busy but poorly lit road in Goose Creek, he said.
Brown also told Circuit Judge Markley Dennis that Baker suffered a concussion from slamming into the truck's rearview mirror and windshield. He wandered off for several hours because he was disoriented, not because he was attempting to run from the scene, Brown said. Pictures taken after the accident showed bloody injuries to Baker's face and forehead.
Previous stories
Accident kills gospel performer, published 01/09/06
Gospel musician mourned; Suspect in singer's death expected to turn himself in, published 01/10/06
Bail set in death of gospel star; lawyer says suspect never saw musician, published 01/11/06
Baker "did not callously disregard a life," Brown said, because he was not coherent enough to register that someone had been killed.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to a sentence cap of six years. Dennis sentenced Baker to six years in prison, but suspended that time to two years of probation.
Parker's family had asked Dennis to give them justice, saying Baker's decision to leave the accident after a night that included some drinking was a conscious act and he should be held accountable. But they also said they forgave Baker for taking Parker's life.
Parker was an award-winning gospel musician and a founder of the group the Parker Trio. In Canada, the group had already won wide acclaim, including a Covenant Award from the Canadian Gospel Music Association for Southern Gospel Album of the Year in 2005.
In court, friends and family described Baker as someone committed to serving Jesus Christ, ministering to the young and those on hard times.
"He was my arms when my heart hurt," his wife, Shannon Parker, told Dennis. "And he was my laughter."
One of his special gifts, she said, was that in his efforts to spread the gospel to others he could "lighten their load just a little bit for a moment."
After the sentencing, Shannon Parker issued a statement saying she would continue to pray for Baker. "We all will also pray that he will make better choices in the future," she said, "so that no other family has to experience the loss that we have."
Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
You've got to be kidding me. Didn't see a 40 foot bus??? Wandered off for several hours because he was disoriented???
If you were driving drunk and caused an accident that killed someone, you could wander off for several hours to avoid prison time.
On a different note, I've seen more and more instances of unauthorized personnel (usually at churches) out in the roads directing traffic. The Cult Assembly of God on Farmington Rd. has started doing this when the cult lets out. These people have no training or authority to direct traffic and someone else is going to get hurt.
November 18, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LI58 (anonymous) says...
Now that just figures! These sentences are just going to get easier folks.
November 18, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mjenkins (anonymous) says...
NO KIDDING--police, investigators, and physicians on this case agreed mr baker was not drunk, and his reactions prior to and after the accident were out of his control. the accident was unavoidable due to the lack of proper lighting in that area of the road where the 40 foot bus, using no reflective gear, cones, or even a flashlight for the man who was standing in the roadway, was blocking 2 lanes of traffic and most of the median. i, too have seen people out in the road who should not be, unfortunately, the result usually ends in a tragic circumstance like this one.
November 18, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HighDef (anonymous) says...
dui ? concussions dont make you run
November 18, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
I went to school with Mr. Baker. He was a jerk then and he is a jerk now. He is also a coward who was behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol and fled the scene of the crime. There is no excuse for that. I don't care that he wasn't drunk. He was driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He should know better. Just remember the law of Karma.
November 18, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mjenkins (anonymous) says...
i'm sure you thought everyone at school that was smarter & more popular than you was a jerk. again- you were not at he scene of this accident, or at any of the court proceedings, and don't have a clue what the facts are. you not only "don't care if he was drunk"--you don't know if he was.
November 18, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powershouse5 (anonymous) says...
I don't need to be at the "scene of the accident" or the "court proceedings" to realize that a 40 foot, BRIGHT ORANGE bus across the road is NOT an easy thing to miss, even if the area is a little darker than other areas. Give me a break! Mr. Baker sure got one. And that's great for him, as long as he uses his "second-chance" for God's glory. That's what Warren would have wanted. He was that great of a man. But please, stop acting like this was an "unavoidable" accident. We all know better.
November 18, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
mjenkins,
You've been defending this idiot for two days....what is your relation to him?
November 18, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mjenkins (anonymous) says...
you are absolutely right, Warren Parker was a fantastic person, who loved his family and the Lord, as does mr baker, who has been forgiven by Warren's family and God.
i am a member of the church mr baker attends with his family.
November 18, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powershouse5 (anonymous) says...
Mr. Baker being "a person who loves his family and the Lord" shouldn't excuse him from his deserved punishment, although that seems to be what has happened. People who hurt animals get more punishment than he did. And yes, he's forgiven. BUT, the punishment still doesn't fit his "mistake".
November 18, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mjenkins (anonymous) says...
"seems to be what happened" and actually what happened are very different things. no one has or is attempting to excuse him from punishment-that is left to the court system.
November 18, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
I'm curious of how long it will be before we read that he has killed someone else?
November 18, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powershouse5 (anonymous) says...
How can you know that what "seemed to happen" and what "actually happened" are different things? Were you on the scene? And how can you say no one is attempting to excuse him? Isn't that what lawyers are for? All I'm saying is his lawyer did a fine job. He was "excused" with VERY little punishment (if we can even call it that). And if you look back through your comments you will see that you are continuing to make excuses for him when it's not even necessary. The courts have already done it.
November 18, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
TO ALL: KILL SOMEONE GET PROBATION; SELL DRUGS GET LIFE!! If you dont get life you definetly will get a long prison sentence. WOW!! Makes you think doesnt it?
November 18, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lee (anonymous) says...
this was an accident. i know all the facts. carlosthedwarf, u do not know the facts. unless u were in the courtroom on monday. the road was dark. lighting was poor AND THE BUS WAS NOT BRIGHT ORANGE! the bus was across both lanes and on the sidewalk. tim did everything he could to avoid the bus.
November 18, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
" OH,what a tangled web we weave when at first we chose to deceive". When you hide out long enough it gives you time to sober up.
November 18, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powershouse5 (anonymous) says...
Don't tell me the bus wasn't bright orange. I've been on that bus. Warren, Shannon, Brant and Angie have been my friends for years. I've stayed at their house in Tennessee. I do know the facts. Sure it was an accident. All that means is he didn't intend for it to happen. However, it did and it was a result of Mr. Baker's negligence and the punishment does not fit the "accident".
November 18, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
Ergo, I never said it wasn't an accident. Mr. Baker did not intentionally kill Mr. Parker, but driving under the influence of alcohol (which he was) impaired his judgement and as a 33-year old (at the time) he should have known better. Period.
And as for him being more popular and smarter, obviously he wasn't too intelligent. I know that I would never be dumb enough to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol.
And forgiveness is something that doesn't just happen. Mr. Baker must show contrition and ask for forgiveness. It's not up to me to forgive him. That's up to Mr. Parker's family. They're the ones who are going to have to live with the loss of a family member for the rest of their lives. They are the victims here, NOT Mr. Baker.
Mr. Baker must be thrilled to know how popular he is now with so many people know knowing who he is by a mug shot which will indellibly be etched in their minds.
November 19, 2008 at 2:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
To those of you who knew Mr. Warren Parker:
My condolences to you and your family. I will be making a donation this morning in Warren's name. I am sorry that your family has had to go through so much anguish and pain.
November 19, 2008 at 2:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
Here is a link to the Parker Trio website where Shannan Parker, wife of Warren, documents the case:
http://www.parkertrio.com/dates.php
I simply cannot believe that there are people criticizing Warren Parker and his friends for being out on the road that night yet Tim D. Baker was driving under the influence of alcohol in a dimly lit area in the middle of the night. Can we say "hypocrisy"?
My suspicion is that Mr. Baker was driving over the speed limit that night. His judgement was impaired even if he might not have been technically "drunk." And even if he was clean and sober he still hit and killed an innocent person. He fled the scene of the accident and crime. That is inexcusable.
Just tonight I read that another Goose Creek man, Michael J. Butler, who already has a criminal record, injured a police officer in an accident. Luckily no one was seriously hurt or killed, but Mr. Butler was driving on a suspended license. I just wonder what Mr. Butler's excuse is going to be and whether or not a soft judge is going to let him off the way he did with Mr. Baker.
November 19, 2008 at 2:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
For those of you who are unable to view the link above, here is what Shannan Parker, wife of Warren Parker, said:
"May God's will be done. This is my prayer for our next trip down to South Carolina. All the flights were booked and ready to go for this Thursday, but the prosecutor called me yesterday to inform me the judge got busy so, he could not hear the case on Friday. Once again we find ourselves scrambling and rearranging families and work schedules to accommodate. As it stands we will now fly into Charleston, SC, on Sunday, Nov. 16th, and the hearing will begin Monday morning. If the judge does not choose to accept the full terms of the plea deal, we will immediately go into a full trial by jury. This will determine if I will be gone two days or two weeks.
Please pray for God's will in every aspect of this next hearing. It's one thing to have to deal with my own pain and frustration over the loss of Warren and the length of time the legal issues have been drawn out, but it pains me to see how the lack of closure tears Warren's family apart. My own sorrow is weight enough, but to hear and see the sadness of Brian, Edna, and Julie breaks my heart.
I sincerely want God's will for all facets of this case. In the end, no matter the outcome of this hearing, there will be no winners. It will only tell us if the laws of the land will be applied and held as law or not. Despite all, God is God. May He have His way.
Dear God, You alone are God and I trust in You. Father, I am at a point where I no longer know fully what to ask. Please vindicate as You will in every aspect of this case involving Warren's death. You have aready shown Your hand of mercy and I pray this never ends. Bring freedom where there needs to be freedom. Bring forgiveness and healing where they are lacking. I long for you to set the captives free, heal hearts, and bring salvation to all involved. If there be evil doings, expose them. Bring their shame to light for the nation to see. If there be souls oppressed and their tongues bound from truth, raise courage up in them and shelter them with Your mighty arms. Only You know the hearts of all involved and their intentions. I ask, search us, and bring favor upon Your own. I trust only in You God. ~Amen
My deepest appreciation to all who are praying.
Shannan Parker"
November 19, 2008 at 3:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
And this came from Shannan's page dated 10/20/08:
"My trip to South Carolina was much more emotional than I had planned. I traveled there because Tim Baker was being offered a plea bargain. The penalty for his crime carries a 1-25 year sentence. With this plea bargain, Baker, after admitting guilt, would be guaranteed a prison sentence of no more than 6 years. The outcome of the hearing was a little shocking, but truly an answer to prayer. I'm still trusting God is in control. He promised He would never give me more than I can handle, so I'm trusting Him to keep His promise.
Tim Baker stood in the courtroom, and, for the first time, he admitted his guilt in causing Warren's death. I was glad to hear him say the words, but they brought little comfort to my loss. I do hope it will lead to a healthy healing process for Tim himself. The judge asked the necessary questions to make sure Tim Baker and his attorney fully understood the conditions of the plea bargain. After all of the questioning, the judge then accepted Tim Baker's guilty plea, but stated that he could not accept the six year cap on the sentence until he had an opportunity to hear the entire case. The judge will have the opportunity to hear the entire case on November 14th. Warren's family, Brandt, Angie and I will all fly back for this hearing. The judge will then make his final decision regarding the six year maximum. If the judge finds "he cannot in good conscious" accept the terms of the plea deal, we will reconvene Monday Nov. 17th to begin a full trial by jury.
I really do not know what to even ask for at this point. Weary seems to be the word for this season, but I hold on to my Abba Father as I grow tired. He promised if I hold on and place my hope in Him, I will soar with 'Wings Like Eagles.' He promised I will again run and not be weary, I will walk and not faint.
Thank you for the many prayers and the notes of encouragement. I cherish each one of you.
Many Thanks,
Shannan"
November 19, 2008 at 3:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
mjenkins:
It appears that you are either not telling the truth or weren't paying attention in the courtroom. You stated on a previous page that "there was no deal." Correct me if I'm wrong, but is a plea bargain not a deal? You said "no deal was struck." So are you calling Shannan Parker a liar?
November 19, 2008 at 3:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
http://toppicturesofcats.blogspot.com...
It appears that this Circuit Judge Markley Dennis is a soft judge after all. If you read the article above, he gives someone who killed and abused animals 90 days in jail with 10 years probation. Call this judge "Dennis the Menace."
November 19, 2008 at 3:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lee (anonymous) says...
check out the baker story in the goose creek gazette.
November 20, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chucktonian (anonymous) says...
somebody kills somebody while under the influence and gets probation? have you people lost your minds? this guy belongs in the electric chair and not on probation
November 20, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
chucktonian:
I understand your anger, but I disagree with you that the guy belongs in the electric chair. However, he should have to serve jail time because what kind of message does this send to people especially kids? I can drink and drive and kill someone and get away with it because I made a "mistake"?
November 20, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
I'm just wondering what the defense is for people who do this: "Oops. My bad."?
November 20, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
I read the story in the Goose Creek Gazette. So he went to a bar before getting into a vehicle that night. He was driving under the influence of alcohol. At that point he became a danger to not only pedestrians, but himself. Baker himself could have been killed in this accident because of his ill-fated decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
I applaud Tim Baker's decision to turn himself in after the accident and I'm sure that if he had to do it all over again he never would have gotten in that car, but all the same he DID get in that car and what he did was wrong. People are angry because an innocent person is being blamed for what happened and no longer is here to defend himself while the guy who did it walks free.
I hope and pray that Tim Baker never, ever again drinks a drop of alcohol and gets behind the wheel of a car. Because if he does and another person is hurt or killed, may God have mercy on his soul because the judge who let him off will have their blood on his hands.
November 21, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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