Trial Dates Rescheduled
Forensics testing causes a delay in court
BRIGHTER DAYS — Baker celebrating his granddaughter Leslie Gahagan\’s wedding hours before his brutal murder.
The trials of two Lynchburg teenagers charged with murder have been rescheduled. As reported by the Lynchburg News & Advance, the trials were delayed because of forensic testing that would not be completed in time for the initial January trial dates. Vernon Jackson, 16, and Kenneth Jerome Davis, 17, have been charged as adults in the beating death of George Baker III, 81, of Tempe, Ariz.
Baker was the grandfather of former Liberty student, Leslie Gahagan. On Sept. 4, 2010, the teens allegedly attacked Baker on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg as he was leaving Gahagan’s wedding reception, police said. Baker died the following day. Gahagan declined to speak about her grandfather’s death. However, her father and Baker III’s son, Gregg Baker, spoke on behalf of the family.
“The family understood. We had been kept informed by authorities,” Baker said, referring to the delay of the trials. “We were thankful for some time to convalesce.”
According to the Virginia Court Case Information website, Davis will stand trial March 9 with Jackson following March 14.
“We have all heard such stories, but never known the parties involved so intimately,” Zach Baker, the grandson of George Baker III, said. “But Grandpa’s death has provided an opportunity for God’s grace and forgiveness to be broadcast in a profound way.”