Jurors to consider life in prison for ex-minister convicted of murdering wife in Texas

Ex-minister’s murder trial moves to penalty phase

WACO, Texas — Jurors who convicted a former Texas minister of killing his wife are expected to hear new testimony as they consider his sentence.

Matt Baker faces up to life in prison when the penalty phase of his trial begins Thursday. The 38-year-old was convicted late Wednesday for the 2006 death of his wife, Kari.

Prosecutors told defense attorneys before the trial began in Waco that they would show Baker made sexual advances toward many women over the past 18 years. The allegations were mentioned vaguely by Baker’s mistress during the trial.

Prosecutors say Baker slipped his wife sleeping pills, smothered her to death with a pillow and wrote her suicide note. Baker didn’t testify during trial but has said his wife was depressed and committed suicide.