Alleged kidnapper indicted

Seneca County Prosecuting Attorney Derek DeVine and Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson announced the Seneca County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Jonathan J. Baker for kidnapping and aggravated murder, Wednesday. A warrant was issued by the Seneca County courts and Baker was taken into custody by the Seneca County Sheriff Friday morning, according to the release. At this time the Sheriff is waiting on medical clearance for Baker to be released from the hospital. Baker will face the charges in Seneca County Court of Common Pleas. Kidnapping is a felony of the first degree carrying a maximum penalty of 11 to 16½ years in prison. Aggravated Murder as charged carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The indictment specifies that the grand jurors reserved the right to issue a superseding indictment for aggravated murder charges which could result in the death penalty. The indictment stems has been issued following an incident that occurred starting in Wood County on June 27. Baker allegedly took his ex-girlfriend's 7-month-old daughter. Following multiple requests via phone by the mother and North Baltimore Police to return the child, Baker refused. A "be-on-the-lookout" was issued to all area law enforcement agencies. A pursuit involving Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff's deputies took place, ending in Baker's vehicle being driven into a home located on S. Sandusky Street. The infant was located in the vehicle with allegedly critical injuries and was taken to Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. According to the release, the preliminary results from an autopsy by the Lucas County Coroner's Office determined the infant was shot twice and died from the wounds. Baker was taken in critical condition to an area hospital. The Seneca County and Wood County Prosecutors have agreed to a joint prosecution as the incident involved both counties. While the case will be prosecuted in Seneca County, DeVine will be assisted by Wood County Assistant Prosecutors Brian Boos and Charles McDonald.