Waco minister maintains innocence in wife's murder case

Matt Baker, a Baptist minister from Waco, Texas, is serving a 65-year prison sentence for the murder of his wife, Kari Baker. He was found guilty in 2010, but he continues to insist he is innocent. Kari died in 2006, and her death was initially ruled a suicide, but her family believed she was murdered. A new episode of "20/20" titled "Waco Murder" will feature new interviews and insights into the case. Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon, who investigated the murder, believes that Kari was a victim of Baker, calling him a predator. Baker previously admitted to having an affair during the investigation but maintains he never harmed his wife. Kari Baker, who was 31 at the time of her death, was found with a typed, unsigned suicide note. Her family noticed signs of foul play and pushed for further investigation after police dismissed the case. This led to new inquiries, including the exhumation of Kari's body, which revealed traces of the sleeping pill Ambien. During the trial, Baker's mistress, Vanessa Bulls, testified against him. She claimed that Baker had told her he killed Kari, providing vital evidence that led to his indictment. Prosecutors argued that Baker had drugged and suffocated his wife, with Bulls corroborating key details of their theory. Despite his conviction, Baker claims the jury made a mistake. His family feels some relief knowing he is behind bars, but the pain of losing Kari remains. They remember her as a dedicated mother and a loving family member who fought for those she cared about.