Parish
The 19th Anniversary of a Murder
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 15, 2007
Dear Editor,
Jan. 13 marked the 19th anniversary of my mother's murder. Some say that time heals all wounds. I've yet to be healed.
My mother's name was Debra Baker. She was brutally murdered while she was home alone Jan. 13, 1988, at 1206 Dwyce Dr. in Austin. The person responsible was never found.
My mother's death was an absolute tragedy. I have my opinions about the investigation that took place and the law enforcement officers involved, and overall I believe that mistakes were made. I feel like the Austin Police Department has given up all hope on ever solving the case, even though they don't have the nerve to say it.
Am I angry? No. I'm livid. I'm outraged.
I made an appointment to speak with the detectives in APD's Cold Case unit, and I was greeted warmly. I felt like the concerns that I brought up were taken to heart and there was still hope. In a few short months, I came to realize that the detectives were merely humoring me. They could not have been more insincere in their actions.
I am writing this letter again with a renewed hope that someone will have information. I refuse to believe that the person responsible never confided in anyone, never bragged, never drank too much and let it slip. This was not a perfect crime. There must be more that hasn't yet come to light.
It became clear last year that the majority of Austin's media is not interested in this case. The Austin American-Statesman ignored my letters, and all but one news station couldn't be bothered to run a story. The Austin Chronicle was the only source that continued to take an active interest, and for that we are eternally grateful.
I absolutely will not give up hope that someday we will find the person who took my mother's life and forever altered my family.
If anyone can offer information, please contact the APD homicide tip line at 477-3588 or the Homicide Detail at 974-5210. The Homicide Detail can also be contacted by e-mail at homicide@ci.austin.tx.us.
Jan. 13 marked the 19th anniversary of my mother's murder. Some say that time heals all wounds. I've yet to be healed.
My mother's name was Debra Baker. She was brutally murdered while she was home alone Jan. 13, 1988, at 1206 Dwyce Dr. in Austin. The person responsible was never found.
My mother's death was an absolute tragedy. I have my opinions about the investigation that took place and the law enforcement officers involved, and overall I believe that mistakes were made. I feel like the Austin Police Department has given up all hope on ever solving the case, even though they don't have the nerve to say it.
Am I angry? No. I'm livid. I'm outraged.
I made an appointment to speak with the detectives in APD's Cold Case unit, and I was greeted warmly. I felt like the concerns that I brought up were taken to heart and there was still hope. In a few short months, I came to realize that the detectives were merely humoring me. They could not have been more insincere in their actions.
I am writing this letter again with a renewed hope that someone will have information. I refuse to believe that the person responsible never confided in anyone, never bragged, never drank too much and let it slip. This was not a perfect crime. There must be more that hasn't yet come to light.
It became clear last year that the majority of Austin's media is not interested in this case. The Austin American-Statesman ignored my letters, and all but one news station couldn't be bothered to run a story. The Austin Chronicle was the only source that continued to take an active interest, and for that we are eternally grateful.
I absolutely will not give up hope that someday we will find the person who took my mother's life and forever altered my family.
If anyone can offer information, please contact the APD homicide tip line at 477-3588 or the Homicide Detail at 974-5210. The Homicide Detail can also be contacted by e-mail at homicide@ci.austin.tx.us.
Caitlin Baker
