Amber Baker, a 20-year-old woman from Fresno, California, was tragically found dead in her apartment on February 26, 2017. Amber, who was six weeks pregnant at the time, was discovered in her bed with her 4-month-old son, Ayden, lying beside her. The initial investigation revealed that Amber had hosted a small party with friends the night before her death. Her sister, Cassie, who also lived in the apartment, had left the gathering early after an argument with Amber.
The next morning, police responded to a 911 call reporting the shooting and found Amber with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper body.
The investigation quickly identified two primary suspects: Amber's 17-year-old boyfriend and an 18-year-old named Gabriel Garza. Both were believed to have been present in the apartment at the time of the shooting. Additionally, a third individual, 19-year-old Jonathan Guizar, was wanted for unrelated robbery charges but was considered indirectly involved in Amber's death. Despite the identification of these suspects, the police did not immediately apprehend them, and the motive for the killing remained unclear.
In the months following Amber's death, the investigation faced several challenges. Gabriel Garza, who was initially believed to have pulled the trigger, evaded capture for nearly 20 months. When he was finally arrested, the police did not immediately file murder charges, citing the need to re-interview witnesses and gather more evidence. Garza's legal troubles were compounded by a pending felony DUI case and a warrant out of Las Vegas, which kept him in custody despite the delay in murder charges.
The case highlighted the complexities and frustrations often encountered in criminal investigations. Amber's family, devastated by the loss, struggled to understand why such a senseless act had occurred. Her father, Vance Baker, expressed the family's grief and confusion, emphasizing Amber's kind and giving nature. The community's support was evident through a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses, reflecting the impact Amber had on those around her.
As the investigation continued, the police remained determined to bring justice for Amber and her unborn child. The case underscored the importance of thorough investigative work and the challenges law enforcement faces in piecing together the events leading to such a tragic loss.
