How Running Water Led Police To Find Brook Baker And Erika Normans Murderer

On a fateful day in Vincennes, Indiana, tragedy struck the Baker family. Brook Baker, a 19-year-old college student, was discovered lifeless in her home by her brother on September 7, 199The horrifying discovery revealed she had been sexually assaulted and brutally stabbed 11 times. Despite being an aspiring journalist with a promising future, Baker’s life was cut short, leaving the community shocked and grief-stricken.

The Unsolved Puzzle

Investigators faced a challenging task as they sought to unravel the mystery surrounding Baker’s murder. Despite identifying three persons of interest early on, each lead proved to be a dead end. Even exploring Baker’s involvement in a high-profile on-campus rape story failed to provide answers. The community was left in suspense, with the perpetrator of this heinous crime still at large.

A Disturbing Echo: Erika Norman’s Disappearance

The chilling echoes of Baker’s tragedy resurfaced in July 1999 when 21-year-old Erika Norman, another student at Vincennes University, went missing. The search for Norman led police to a distressing scene at her home, marked by disarray and blood swipes on the walls. The eerie similarities to Baker’s case suggested a possible connection, prompting investigators to dig deeper.

Connecting the Dots

A crucial clue emerged as investigators discovered a distinct pattern: running water. In both crime scenes, the killers had left water running in the bathtub. Items, including towels, were strategically placed to erase any evidence. Despite these attempts, police managed to obtain a DNA sample from Baker’s remains. The murderer’s choice of leaving a soapy knife in the kitchen sink also played a pivotal role in connecting the dots.

Unprecedented Crime Scene Tactics

Knox County prosecutor Hal Johnston highlighted the unusual nature of the crime scenes, stating, “In all the murder cases I’ve worked, I’ve never seen anybody do anything like that before.” The intentional repetition of methods by the killer, including cleaning up in a specific way, became a crucial factor in cracking the case. The connection between the two murders grew stronger as investigators unearthed Brian Jones, the last person seen with Erika Norman.

Brian Jones: The Unexpected Culprit

Former Vincennes University student Brian Jones became a person of interest after being seen with Norman before her disappearance. Surprisingly, Jones willingly cooperated with investigators, providing his DNA, allowing searches of his home and car, and surrendering the clothes he wore when he last saw Norman. The results were shocking—Jones’ DNA matched the sample found on Brook Baker’s body, leading to his arrest for her murder.

The Unraveling Story

In a disturbing turn of events, Norman’s DNA was also found on Jones’ shoes and car. Days later, Norman’s remains were discovered in an Illinois cornfield. Jones was swiftly charged with her murder. Initially found guilty and sentenced to 60 years in prison for Norman’s murder, Jones faced further consequences in December 2000. Convicted of Brook Baker’s rape and murder, he received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Closure Amidst Grief

As the verdict was announced, Maurice Baker, Brook’s father, expressed satisfaction, saying, “We’re satisfied, we know we have the right person, and maybe he won’t be able to harm anyone anymore.” The community, though scarred by the tragic events, found closure in the resolution of both cases, bringing an end to a dark chapter in Vincennes history.

My Final Opinion, the haunting connection between Brook Baker and Erika Norman’s murders serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice and the unforeseen clues, such as running water, that can lead investigators to the truth.

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