Murder of Tina Baker
2002 murder in England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tina Baker was a British woman who disappeared in July 2002.[1] Her husband Martin was convicted of her murder in 2006.[1]
Tina Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | United Kingdom |
| Disappeared | July 2002 |
| Known for | Victim of murder |
| Spouse | Martin Baker |
Baker had separated from her husband in May 2002, and she had asked her husband Martin for a divorce. In July, Baker left her new partner's home, saying that she was going to feed the animals at Brookfield farm, which she and her husband co-owned. She disappeared and Martin was eventually arrested for her murder. Martin had reportedly threatened his first wife, Gillian Hopkins, that he would to kill her and feed her to the pigs before their divorce.[2] Baker's remains were never found, but Martin is suspected of having fed the remains to animals.[2]
Background
Disappearance
She left her new partner's home on the day she disappeared, saying that she was going to feed the animals at Brookfield farm, which she and her husband owned.[1] The farm was near Chobham.[1] Her pet dog was found abandoned and her bank account was untouched.[1] She was last seen in Sunbury on 8 July 2002.[3]
Investigation
Trial
During the trial his first wife, Gillian Hopkins, testified that he had threatened to kill her and feed her to the pigs before their divorce.[2] Pig swill and manure were checked for Tina's remains but they were not found.[2]
He denied being at the farm the day Tina disappeared, but a witness testified to meeting him on the farm that day and that he was agitated and made them feel unwelcome.[1] Telephone records placed him near the farm that morning and also that he had contacted a friend who ran a breaker's yard that could dispose of cars that day.[1]
Martin Baker was found guilty of Tina's murder at the Old Bailey although her body was never recovered.[1][2] He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 14 years.[4]
He had feared he would lose the £100,000 14 acre farm.[4]