An Alabama-based attorney, Sara Baker, 74, is facing charges for allegedly attempting to murder her husband by administering fentanyl in his food and drink. Prosecutors claim that Baker, who has been married to her husband for approximately three decades, conspired to commit the crime in September. Baker, a seasoned lawyer with a background in criminal defense, divorce, and custody law, is said to have administered the potentially lethal substance on three separate occasions between September 4 and September 20.
The criminal complaint, as reported by local ABC affiliate WBMA, alleges that Baker conspired with one or more individuals to commit murder. She is accused of administering fentanyl to her husband without a valid medical or therapeutic reason. The complaint further alleges that Baker intentionally caused physical or mental impairment to her husband by administering a harmful substance without his consent.
Baker’s husband, who suffered a stroke several years ago, was under her full-time care when the alleged poisoning attempts occurred in September. Prosecutors claim that the husband experienced physical impairment due to the attempted murders but survived. According to the complaint, Baker began plotting to murder her husband on September 1, meeting with an individual to plan the crime. The first alleged attempt took place on September 4, with subsequent attempts on September 12 and September 20.
Fellow Alabama attorney Will League expressed his shock at the allegations, stating it was disheartening to see someone willing to go to such lengths, especially given their knowledge of the law’s consequences.
Felisha Nichole Cofield, a woman who allegedly assisted Baker, was listed as a witness in the criminal complaint. She was indicted in August for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence related to Baker’s case. Cofield was charged with tampering and accused of swallowing fentanyl that she believed could link her to the alleged murder attempts. Baker was representing Cofield in the criminal proceedings before her arrest on November 25 in Cullman County.
Baker and her husband celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary in August. Despite the allegations, Baker had previously expressed her love for her husband on social media, referring to him as a “super guy” with a “sweet spirit.”
Baker is currently facing charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, and domestic violence. She is being held at the Cullman County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing, according to a press release from the Cullman Police Department.