Maury County Pastor took his own life at local hospital bathroom after being charged with sexual battery.

 

Columbia Police Department was dispatched to Maury Regional Medical Center on Wednesday in reference to a suicide.

The individual was David Mark Baker Sr. a Maury County pastor and former candidate for county mayor.

Prior to the incident Baker had been booked into the Maury County Jail on Tuesday, September. 10th after being charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery, and unfortunately was released on a $200,000 bond.

Baker was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, October 9th for his arrest; However on the day after his arrest on Wednesday he walked into a bathroom at Maury Regional Medical Center and according to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Maury Regional Medical Center officials Baker discharged the weapon twice to his chest.“The ED staff initiated life-saving medical treatment; however, he succumbed to his injuries. No other individuals were present in the restroom at the time and no patients or staff members were harmed,” the statement reads.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The welfare and safety of our patients and health care team members are paramount at Maury Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, Emergency Department staff and Columbia Police Department.”

Baker, who served as pastor of Family Baptist Church in Tennessee and the president of Independent Baptist Online College, ran for county mayor in 2022 as well as being the founder of a jail ministry in Maury County known as Restoration Jail Ministry.