Recent court filings in a 2014 shooting on Shamrock Court in Aurora portray a damaged marriage that culminated with a violent confrontation between Jermaine Baker and the man he believes began a romantic relationship with his wife six months earlier.
Kane County prosecutors shed light on those details in their effort to introduce prior domestic acts as evidence at Baker’s scheduled December trial on attempted murder, home invasion and other charges.
Baker’s defense asked Judge James Hallock to prohibit any such references, but Hallock ruled that only details of alleged domestic abuse would be barred, unless the defense opened the door to it during the course of the trial.
Baker, 39, has pleaded not guilty and remains in Kane County Jail on $750,000 bail.
According to court documents, Baker’s wife felt compelled to take the other man up on his offer of an occasional place for her and her children to stay. Prosecutors suggest Baker’s wife and the man became romantic about six months before the Aug. 27, 2014, shooting, but don’t indicate when Baker became aware.
Assistant State’s Attorney Joe Cullen wrote in his filing that Baker was “jealous and controlling,” while also being unfaithful to his wife. Baker saw texts and calls from the man on his wife’s phone, and even contacted the man to tell him to end the relationship, court documents show. Cullen went on to explain how Baker tracked his wife’s car and secretly recorded her at times.
More Top Picks Best Wide Toe Box Shoes For Women Uk
On the day of the shooting, Baker entered the man’s home and confronted him with an ominous statement, according to Cullen’s filing.
“Today’s the last day of your life. You have two options, hang yourself or I’ll blow your (expletive) brains out,” Baker is quoted as saying to the man.
Prosecutors allege Baker shot the man in the head three times. Despite his injuries, the man was able to call 911. Hallock previously denied a motion to suppress statements Baker made to police during an interview.
Baker is scheduled to return to court Sept. 27.
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News