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	Jury Selection in Kerrville Custody Case for 2 Children of Ex-pastor Convicted of Killing Wife Daily Reporter July 5, 2011 http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/b68abbfc94664df9983f0d1f59e9cd5f/TX--Convicted-Minister-Custody-Trial/ Jury selection began Tuesday in a Central Texas custody case for the children of an ex-Baptist minister convicted of drugging his wife with sleeping pills, smothering her to death and faking her suicide note so he could be with his mistress. Matt Baker, convicted of murder in the 2006 death of Kari Baker in their suburban Waco home while his two daughters slept down the hall, is serving a 65-year sentence. Although he gave his parents, Oscar and Barbara Baker, custody of his girls before he went to prison last year, the children's maternal grandparents are contesting it. Jim and Linda Dulin, whose daughter was Kari Baker, filed suit to gain sole custody of their granddaughters from Baker's parents. Kari Baker's death was initially ruled a suicide until the Dulins pushed to reopen the case. The children, Kensi, 15, and Grace, 10, have lived with the elder Bakers, their paternal grandparents, since their father's January 2010 sentencing. Stephanie R. Trulson, a court-appointed adviser who conducted home studies on both the Baker and Dulin homes, has recommended that the Dulins be awarded custody for several reasons, including the "unhealthy emotional environment" she says exists in the Baker home, according to a report she gave the judge in this case. Trulson said Matt Baker and his parents continue to blame the Dulins for Matt Baker's incarceration, the Waco Tribune-Herald reported in Tuesday editions. The court-appointed consultant recommended the children be placed with the Dulins before the new school year begins and immediately start therapy. She said any visits Oscar and Barbara Baker make to the girls should be limited and supervised and that the children's therapist determine whether Matt Baker should be allowed to have any contact with his daughters while he is in prison. Telephone messages the Associated Press made to Oscar Baker, and his attorney, Frederick L. Henneke, on Tuesday were not immediately returned.
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