A retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant and his wife were found dead inside their Florida home this week, as investigators examine what authorities describe as an apparent murder-suicide.
John Baker, 62, and his wife, Joanne Baker, 59, were discovered Monday morning at their home in the 8300 block of Pine Drive in Pembroke Pines. Deputies had received a report of two people found unresponsive at the residence shortly after 7 a.m.
Investigators said the preliminary findings indicate that Joanne shot John before turning the gun on herself. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the surrounding community.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the investigation remains ongoing.
John Baker had spent much of his adult life serving the Pembroke Pines community. He joined the city’s police department in 1994 and eventually rose to the rank of sergeant. He was also among the officers who helped establish the department’s Crisis Response Team, which was created to support first responders dealing with traumatic situations.
His career changed dramatically in August 2019 when he was involved in a serious motorcycle crash while on duty. Police said a vehicle turned into his path, leaving Baker with critical injuries that affected his speech and ability to move.
With rehabilitation and continued effort, Baker regained some of his motor skills, although he continued to live with the effects of the crash.
In the years that followed, Joanne regularly shared updates about her husband’s recovery and their family life. The updates described his progress, activities and plans as the couple adjusted to life after the crash.
One of her final public updates, posted in February 2025, described plans that included a family cruise, concerts and spring football. The couple had also recently marked their 40th wedding anniversary, making the circumstances surrounding their deaths especially difficult for relatives and friends.
Baker was remembered by the Pembroke Pines Police Department as someone who remained involved in his community despite the challenges caused by his injuries. During his career, he also worked with organizations and programs including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Special Olympics Torch Run.
He was a father of three and was known among colleagues for mentoring younger officers. Local officials also remembered him for his personality and long-standing connection to the community.
Neighbors said the news came as a shock. One neighbor described regularly seeing the couple and said their deaths were devastating.
For now, investigators have not publicly disclosed what led to the shooting. Authorities have also not released additional details about the circumstances inside the home.
The deaths remain under investigation, with the medical examiner expected to make the final determination regarding the cause and manner of death.
