PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — A retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant and his wife were found dead Monday morning in what Broward Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.
According to BSO, the preliminary investigation revealed that Joanne Baker, 59, shot and killed her husband, retired Pembroke Pines Police Sgt. John Baker, 62, before turning the gun on herself.
Pembroke Pines police officers and fire department paramedics responded at approximately 7:12 a.m. Monday to a 911 call regarding two people found unresponsive in the 8300 block of Pine Drive.
When emergency crews arrived, they found John and Joanne Baker dead, authorities said.
Pembroke Pines police then contacted BSO and requested that its Homicide and Crime Scene units conduct the death investigation.
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. BSO said the investigation remains ongoing.
Nearly 28 years of service
Following Baker’s death, the Pembroke Pines Police Department released a statement mourning the retired sergeant, who served the city for nearly 28 years.
Baker joined the department in 1994 and held numerous positions throughout his career, including road patrol officer, field training officer, master patrol officer, public information officer, traffic homicide investigator and Traffic Unit sergeant.
He was also a founding member of the department’s Crisis Response Team, which was created to assist first responders during times of tragedy.
According to the department, Baker was passionate about traffic safety and regularly worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, often volunteering at the organization’s events.
Outside of work, Baker was a father of three who enjoyed traveling and music and often attended concerts with his family, the department said in a press release.
Serious on-duty crash
According to police, on Aug. 10, 2019, Baker was involved in a serious on-duty motorcycle crash after a car turned in front of his path.
Police said Baker suffered critical injuries that affected his speech and movement. With the help of his family and medical team, he eventually regained limited motor skills.
Despite his injuries, Baker remained active in the community, participating in charity races through Special Compass, a local nonprofit that assists children and families with disabilities. He also participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run, the department said.
“The entire PPPD family mourns the sudden loss of Sergeant John Baker,” the department said in its statement. “Even with the challenges he faced from his work-related injury, his joyful and positive personality always persisted.”
The department extended its condolences to Baker’s children, family and friends.
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