David Baker Columbia TN Death: Pastor of Family Baptist Church in Columbia and former Maury County mayoral candidate who was facing sexual battery charges has died by suicide on Wednesday.
Pastor David Mark Baker passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot injury.
The tragic incident happened on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2 P.M., at Maury Regional Medical Center. According to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup, David walked into the bathroom of the clinic and shot himself in the chest, He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Happened To David Baker?
“The ED staff initiated life-saving medical treatment; however, he succumbed to his injuries. No other individuals were present in the restroom at the time and no patients or staff members were harmed,” the statement reads.
“We are deeply saddened by today’s events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The welfare and safety of our patients and healthcare team members are paramount at Maury Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, Emergency Department staff, and Columbia Police Department.”
Before Baker’s death, Maury County Sheriff’s Department authorities stated that the case was still being investigated and denied additional comment. Sheriff Bucky Rowland stated that Maury Baker was not permitted to possess a firearm under his bond terms.
Baker, who was the pastor of Family Baptist Church in Tennessee and head of Independent Baptist Online College, ran for county mayor in 2022 and launched a slander case against eventual winner Sheila Butt, which was eventually rejected. The lawsuit cited a text message that suggested Baker’s suspected links to a person who eventually committed suicide, as well as a previous case against him.
He also founded Maury County’s Restoration Jail Ministry. Lighthouse Baptist Church filed for bankruptcy in 2011, claiming ‘Dave Baker’ as the signatory. Baker informed Main Street Maury in 2022 that he had filed for bankruptcy on behalf of the church he had previously pastored to reorganize debts.