Baker’s Lawyers Question His Fitness, Sanity

The mental fitness of a Deerfield man accused of bludgeoning his then girl friend’s mother to death more than two years ago is again being questioned by his attorneys as his Oct. 9 trial date in Lake County Criminal Court approaches, according to a story in the Daily Herald.

Patch reported a year ago that Daniel Baker, 23, of Deerfield will go to trial for 2010 first-degree murder charges in the death of Vernon Hills resident Marina Aksman. Authorities claim Baker beat Aksman to death with a baseball bat. At the time of the murder, he was dating her daughter Kristina.

Earlier: Baker Attorneys Will Claim Insanity

Approximately 12 months ago, Lake County Judge Fred Foreman ruled Baker was mentally fit to stand trial meaning he understands the nature of the charges against him, according to the Patch report.

Baker attorney Ed Genson told Lake County Criminal Court Judge Daniel Shanes Thursday he was concerned about Baker’s ability to stand trial, according to the Lake County News Sun. “I have a very difficult time getting his cooperation,” Genson said in the News Sun story. “I’d really like to have him examined.” He also asked Shanes to postpone the trial.

Assistant Lake County State’s Attorney Patricia Fix disputed Genson’s contentions claiming the matter was resolved a year ago. “We have had no evidence that Baker’s personality changed ... the people see no issues,” Fix said in the News Sun article.

Shanes was unwilling to change the trial date, according to the Daily Herald. The parties will meet Oct. 5 to discuss whether Baker is ready to stand trial.

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