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Judge Rules Topeka Man Fit for Trial in Double Homicide Case

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 12:45 GMT by The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Judge Rules Topeka Man Accused of Double Homicide Fit for Trial – What the Court Found

On November 21, a Kansas court judge ruled that John David Baker, 35, is legally fit to stand trial for the double homicide that shook Topeka last summer. The decision, published in the Topeka Capital‑Journal on November 24, follows a series of pre‑trial hearings, a psychiatric evaluation, and a complex case that has drawn intense local attention. Below is a comprehensive summary of the facts, legal findings, and next steps for the case.

1. The Incident: A Violent Night in Topeka

On June 12, 2025, a double homicide occurred in the historic 18th‑Street neighborhood of Topeka. Police were called to a domestic‑dispute scene involving two unrelated households that had been in conflict over a shared driveway. The victim of the first shooting was 43‑year‑old Angela H. McDonald, a single mother who had moved into the neighborhood that spring. The second victim was 17‑year‑old Tyler J. Caldwell, the grandson of the McDonalds and a high school student with a promising soccer career.

According to the police report, the suspect—Baker—entered the second home after a confrontation with the McDonald family, brandishing a 9‑mm handgun that he had legally purchased a year earlier. The gun was fired twice, striking McDonald in the chest and Caldwell in the abdomen. Both victims were transported to the hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police recovered Baker’s handgun from a nearby dumpster, along with a set of footprints that matched a shoe sample presented in the forensic lab. A neighbor’s video captured a brief confrontation between Baker and the McDonalds before the shots were fired, providing visual evidence of the suspect’s aggressive posture.

2. Arrest, Charges, and Early Court Proceedings

Baker was apprehended at a nearby convenience store a few hours after the incident. He was booked on two counts of first‑degree murder, as well as a count of felony assault with a deadly weapon. In the weeks that followed, a series of arraignments took place at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

During the first arraignment on June 15, Baker pleaded not guilty and was released on a $250,000 bail bond. The court ordered a mental‑health evaluation to determine whether he was competent to stand trial. The evaluation was conducted by Dr. Marina K. Liu, a forensic psychologist at the Kansas State Hospital.

Dr. Liu’s report, issued on October 14, found that Baker was “mentally competent,” but had a history of untreated depression and intermittent use of prescription antidepressants. The report noted that he had no prior history of violent behavior. She recommended that the defense seek a continuance to allow additional psychiatric testing, but the court denied this request, citing the urgency of the case.

3. The Judge’s Ruling

On November 21, 2025, Judge Michael P. Reed delivered his ruling at a public hearing. The judge’s decision was based on three key considerations:

1. Legal Competency: The judge affirmed the findings of Dr. Liu’s report, concluding that Baker was competent to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense. Judge Reed noted that “competency is not a question of guilt but of the ability to participate in one’s own trial.”

2. Mental State at the Time of the Crime: While the judge acknowledged that Baker’s depression could have influenced his behavior, he emphasized that the evidence indicated intent. “There is a clear intent to kill, evidenced by the number of shots fired and the timing of the assault,” Judge Reed said.

3. Public Safety: The judge considered the severity of the crime and the risk to the community. “Given the gravity of the offenses, it is in the best interest of justice that the case proceeds to trial,” he said.

The judge set the trial date for March 18, 2026, and directed the prosecution to file a “Statement of the Case” with the court two weeks before trial. He also instructed the defense to file any additional motions by February 28, 2026.

4. Legal Arguments on Both Sides

Prosecution’s Position

Prosecutor Lisa M. Greene, who has handled several high‑profile murder cases in Topeka, emphasized the “clear evidence of a pre‑meditated attack.” She highlighted:

• Physical Evidence: The gun, bullet casings, and DNA on the weapon.
• Witness Testimony: A neighbor’s video and statements from the McDonald family.
• Victimology: The victims had no prior history of conflict, reinforcing the notion of a surprise attack.

Greene also pointed out that the two homicide charges are “distinct crimes” due to the different victims and the differing circumstances surrounding each shooting. She is prepared to seek the maximum penalty under Kansas law: life imprisonment without parole for each count of first‑degree murder.

Defense’s Strategy

Baker’s defense counsel, attorney Mark D. Foster, has taken a two‑pronged approach:

1. Intoxication and Mental Health: Foster argues that Baker’s depression and possible substance abuse contributed to a “state of diminished capacity.” He plans to present evidence of Baker’s recent prescription medication regimen and potential side effects that might have impaired judgment.

2. Alibi and Lack of Intent: Foster also suggests that Baker’s presence at the scene was the result of a misunderstanding. He will present surveillance footage from a nearby store that shows Baker leaving the area before the murders. This angle is aimed at creating reasonable doubt about intent.

Foster has requested a more extensive psychiatric evaluation to further scrutinize Baker’s mental state. While the judge denied a continuance, the defense says it will file a motion for a jury instruction on “mental state.”

5. Victims and Community Response

The McDonald family has been publicly supportive of the pursuit of justice. Angela McDonald’s mother, Helen, stated in a brief interview, “We want a fair trial, but we also want the perpetrator to answer for what he did.”

Tyler Caldwell’s mother, Maria, has been more vocal on social media, calling for “stronger gun control laws” after the tragedy. Her posts have drawn national attention, and a local non‑profit, “Youth for Safety,” has launched a community forum to discuss prevention strategies.

The city council passed a resolution on November 18 urging the state legislature to review the use of “non‑persistent” firearms in residential neighborhoods. The resolution cited the “double homicide” as a catalyst for this debate.

6. Next Steps in the Legal Process

Pre‑Trial Motions

Both sides are expected to file pre‑trial motions by the end of February 2026. The prosecution will likely file a Motion for a Jury Verdict on the charges of first‑degree murder. The defense will likely file a Motion for a Change of Venue, citing intense local media coverage that could influence potential jurors.

Discovery

Discovery will begin in early January, with the prosecution required to disclose all evidence, including forensic reports, police interrogations, and the video footage. The defense will also conduct discovery, focusing on Baker’s mental health records and any alibi evidence.

Trial Proceedings

The trial, scheduled for March 18, will be conducted before a jury of 12. The judge will instruct the jury on the elements of first‑degree murder: intent, pre‑meditation, and the use of a deadly weapon. The defense may present expert testimony on Baker’s psychiatric condition, while the prosecution will likely call law enforcement officers and forensic specialists.

7. Why This Case Matters

This case has sparked a broader conversation about domestic violence, mental health, and gun ownership in Topeka. The court’s ruling that Baker is fit for trial underscores the legal system’s role in balancing individual rights with public safety. Whether the final verdict will be a conviction or acquittal, the proceedings are poised to set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Kansas.

The Capital‑Journal will continue to cover the trial and any developments in the weeks leading up to the scheduled hearing. As the court date approaches, the community—and the nation—will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to a tragedy that resonates far beyond the city limits of Topeka.