Maury County man arrested and commits suicide

A Maury County pastor and former candidate for county mayor, David Mark Baker Sr., was arrested Tuesday, September 10th, and charged with aggravated sexual battery. Baker founded the Restoration Jail Ministry in Maury County and formerly pastored at Lighthouse Baptist Church. In 2011, Baker filed for bankruptcy for the church with “Dave Baker” as the signatory to restructure debts. Baker was released on a $200,000 bond and was scheduled for court on October 9th. The next day, Wednesday, September 11th, Baker walked into a Maury Regional Medical Center bathroom and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Emergency Department staff and the Columbia Police Department reported to the scene urgently to ensure the safety of the residents and performed life-saving treatment for Baker, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Maury County Sheriff’s Department officials stated the case is still under investigation.