Jessica Baker, a 17-year-old girl from Lorain, OH, tragically lost her life on October 17, 2019. She was a senior at Clearview High School and an active member of the school's choir, basketball, and volleyball teams. Jessica was also involved in softball and was looking forward to becoming an aunt. Her interests included babysitting, crafting, spending time at the beach, and taking care of her pet dogs.
The circumstances surrounding Jessica's death were the result of a violent
altercation. On the evening of her death, Jessica was in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by her boyfriend, Christian Marshall. Marshall and another man, Savion McCall, drove to the home of Lucas Williams, armed with a handgun. A fight had occurred earlier that day between McCall and Williams, which led to the fatal shooting. During the exchange of gunfire, a bullet fired by Williams struck Jessica in the back, killing her instantly.
Marshall fled the scene and dropped McCall off at his house before calling 911. Police found Jessica dead inside the vehicle. The Lorain Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, conducted the investigation. Attorneys with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
In March 2024, two more men were sentenced for their roles in Jessica's death. Savion McCall was sentenced to 30 to 32 years to life for complicity to murder, complicity to felonious assault, and complicity to discharge a firearm on or near prohibited premises. Lucas Williams received a nine-year sentence for manslaughter with a firearm specification. Christian Marshall, who was already serving a 34 to 38 years to life sentence, was also involved in the incident.
The tragic loss of Jessica Baker highlights the devastating consequences of senseless violence. While the sentences offer some closure, they cannot undo the damage caused by the shooting. Jessica's family and friends continue to remember her fondly and honor her memory.
