FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit, (813) 274-1901, communications@sao13th.com

Jury Declines To Impose The Death Penalty For The Hillsborough County Man Found Guilty In The Murder of Beloved School Teacher

TAMPA, FL (November 17, 2022) — After finding that Defendant, Mathew Terry, was guilty of killing local elementary school teacher, Kay Baker, today the jury declined to recommend the death penalty for his crime.    

State Attorney Lopez noted: “We thank the jury for their service.  We respect their decision and ask that the community do the same.  Some may believe Kay Baker’s murder should result in a death sentence for this defendant and others may not.  Our team of prosecutors, however, believed at a minimum that the question of whether the defendant should receive the death penalty should be left for a jury’s recommendation.   The death penalty is the harshest penalty available and the most difficult to obtain.   I continue to believe that a jury should have the right to make a recommendation in the worst cases, such as this one, as to whether a defendant should be put to death.  I will not take that decision away from a jury.  I will follow the law.”

State Attorney Lopez concluded: “This case was never about the defendant.  It was about honoring Kay Baker and her loving family.  Kay’s family and friends have shown amazing grace and courage throughout this difficult process.  Today is the conclusion of this case, but we must always remember the wonderful Kay Baker, the lives she changed, and her legacy of service and kindness.”