Robert Joseph Baker, 39, whose attorney previously claimed his COVID-19 symptoms contributed to killing a stranger at a Lubbock grocery store, was resentenced on Monday to 10 years of probation.
Back in March, Baker was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Manslaughter in connection with the death of Jason Holloway, 44. EverythingLubbock.com reported that 180 days after sentencing, Baker was expected to petition the court for jail shock time and probation. On September 22, Baker’s previous sentence was suspended, and he was given 10 years of community supervision.
Court records filed on Monday said Baker would not benefit from staying in prison since he is a first-time offender. Court documents said Baker would receive greater benefit from “community supervision or community-based rehabilitative programs.”
On November 8, 2020, officers responded to a shooting outside of Market Street at 19th Street and Quaker just after 6:00 a.m. Police said Baker was waiting in the parking lot. Holloway was putting groceries in his vehicle when Baker shot him, court records said. Baker then went to a nearby United Express gas station and shot at the building. He then drove to Covenant Medical Center, where he shot his car next to the building.
“Robert Baker fired several rounds into his vehicle, discarded his pistol in the entryway of the hospital, and wanted to check himself in for Covid-19 related issues,” a warrant stated.
Previous coverage:
- LPD: Metro Unit investigating early morning homicide Sunday
- Arrest warrant says Baker did not know the man he gunned down in the parking lot of Market Street
- Covenant Health and Lubbock Police speak on security partnership after shooting
- Market Street shooting suspect Robert Baker appears in court, asks for lower bond
- Judge lowers bond on Market Street shooter, murder suspect Robert Baker
- Man accused of grocery store parking lot murder out of jail on bond
- Man who claimed COVID-19 contributed to killing stranger at Market Street gets prison
After Baker was arrested, court records said he agreed to be interviewed by investigators. Baker told detectives he was suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. Later at a bond reduction hearing, Baker’s attorney presented the idea that Baker was experiencing hypoxia due to COVID-19. A civil complaint stated for at least three days, Baker’s family knew he was experiencing hallucinations.
At the previous sentencing, Holloway’s mother said nothing compares to the pain their family feels when they think of his senseless death. She said Holloway was loved and worked 60-hour weeks to support his family.
District Attorney Sunshine Stanek said her office could not provide an additional statement on the case, as it is still pending while Baker is on probation.
