Brother Stephen Baker Commits Suicide, Accused Franciscan Friar Dead

The Lalate
January 26, 2013

http://news.lalate.com/2013/01/26/brother-stephen-baker-commits-suicide-accused-franciscan-friar-dead/

ST LOUIS (LALATE) – Brother Stephen Baker, an accused Franciscan friar, has committed suicide, officials tell news. Brother Stephen Baker was found dead Saturday January 28, 2013 days after he reached a settlement for alleged conduct against former male students.

Local police confirm that Brother Baker was found dead of a purported suicide. Officials indicated to news that Baker suffered a self inflicted wounds earlier Saturday morning. Blair Township Police Chief Roger White confirmed that Baker was found inside St. Bernardine Monastery earlier today. White would not confirm if Baker had shot himself.

Later today, Youngstown Bishop George Murray issued a new statement about the suicide. “Let us continue to pray for all victims of abuse, for Brother Baker’s family and the repose of his soul.”

Baker’s career had been rattled by complaints. First, eleven former students claimed unlawful conduct by the friar against them from 1986-1990 at John F. Kennedy High School. Last week, those eleven former students finalized settlements of their disputes against Baker. Then, Baker was then the subject of new complaints from students at Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown. They complained of alleged conduct while Baker was at McCourt in 2011.