Baker trial begins

TIFFIN—A North Baltimore man's trial for kidnapping and aggravated murder began this week. Jonathan Baker, 24, is accused of aggravated murder and kidnapping, stemming from a June 2023 incident in which he is alleged to have kidnapped a 7-month-old baby, culminating in the baby's murder. He was indicted by the Seneca County Grand Jury last July. Baker's trial began at 9 a.m. Monday with jury selection, Seneca County Court of Common Pleas Judge Damon Alt presiding. The trial is scheduled through Friday. The trial comes after he was found competent to stand trial in March. It was found by District V Forensic Diagnostics Center's Dr. Brian P. O'Reilly that Baker was "...not experiencing a severe mental defect or disease at the time of the offenses charged," according to the judgment entry. What sentence could he face? Kidnapping If convicted, Baker could go to prison for "an indefinite period," but it will be between 3 to 11 years, according to court records. The maximum prison term could also be "up to half the length" of the most serious felony he is being sentenced for. He could also be fined up to $20,000. Aggravated murder with a gun specification If convicted, Baker could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Alternatively, he could receive life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20, 25, or 30 years. He could also be fined up to $25,000. The grand jury added a gun specification to the charge, meaning Baker had a gun during the crime. Due to the gun specification, an additional three years could be added to the aggravated murder sentence if he is convicted.