In the early morning hours of February 27, 2023, a gathering of teenagers in Wetumpka, Alabama, turned tragic, ending the life of 19-year-old Christian Baker. The young man, known to friends as 'Jace,' was fatally shot at a residence near Ceasarville Road in Deatsville.
The incident unfolded around 4:20 a.m. when deputies from the Elmore County Sheriff's Office responded to a call from the location.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Christian Baker with a gunshot wound to his groin area. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations revealed that Jason Gosdin, a 39-year-old Wetumpka man, had arrived at the residence after receiving a call from his ex-wife concerning their teenage daughter. An altercation ensued, during which Gosdin reportedly approached a vehicle outside the home. He was accused of pistol-whipping another 19-year-old, who was not seriously injured. Gosdin then fired a handgun into the vehicle.
The single shot struck Christian Baker, who was seated in the back. After the shooting, Gosdin fled the scene but was located and taken into custody later that morning. He was initially charged with murder.
In November 2025, a jury found Jason Gosdin guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Christian Jace Baker.
