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Three Teens Accused Of Gunning Down Dallas PR Exec In Her Driveway During Botched Carjacking
Leslie Squair Baker had just pulled into her driveway in Dallas and was talking on the phone when authorities say three teens pulled up, blocked her car in, and fatally shot her.
Three teenagers have been arrested for the shooting death a Dallas public relations executive during a botched carjacking attempt in her driveway.
Dallas Police announced the arrests earlier this month of Antony Isaiah Taylor, 18, and Deng Chen Ajack, 19, in the killing of Leslie Squair Baker. A third suspect—a 16-year-old male—was arrested on May 27 in connection with the shooting. His name has not been released due to his age.
Baker, 59, was killed on May 25 around 5 p.m. after pulling into her driveway.
Surveillance footage later showed a silver-colored Nissan pull in behind her and block her car, according to an affidavit obtained by local station WFAA.
Baker, who had been on the phone at the time, screamed that she was “getting robbed” before trying to put her vehicle into reverse.
Authorities believe the 16-year-old suspect shot Baker, and the teens quickly fled the scene, the local station reports.
Neighbors reported hearing six gunshots.
When police arrived at the Baker’s home, they found her in the driver’s seat of her black sedan.
“Officers pulled the victim out of the vehicle and immediately began performing first aid before the arrival of Dallas Fire-Rescue,” police said. “The victim was transported to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries.”
Taylor allegedly later told police that he and the other two teens had “smoked weed and drove around” in a stolen vehicle before they spotted Baker, according to court documents.
Taylor allegedly told authorities he did not know the 16-year-old planned to shoot or rob the 59-year-old; however, authorities believe Taylor had prior knowledge of the robberies.
Taylor has also been accused of firing shots at a Lyft driver the same night Baker was killed, according to the affidavit. Authorities also believe he was with the same suspects the following day and participated in another carjacking.
Police said during an interview with detectives, Ajack also allegedly admitted his involvement in the crime.
Both men have been charged with capital murder.
The 16-year-old was apprehended after a “high-speed pursuit” with police in late May, according to the statement from police. Police found the teen and two other males hiding in a backyard shed, where two handguns—including the murder weapon—were also found.
Baker had served as the director of marketing at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery in Plano since 2007.
Shortly after her death, the president of the surgery center issued a statement to local station KTVT expressing the organization's sympathies to Baker’s husband and children.
“We’re shocked and heartbroken by Leslie’s senseless death,” it read. “I personally have known and worked with Leslie for many years, and her tragic passing is very difficult to understand and accept.”
The statement described Baker as a “trusted” and “valued” member of the team.
“During her time here, she was a key member of our administrative team, known as an intelligent, fair and compassionate leader who kept the care of patients as her guiding light.”
