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Recent Baker graduate killed in Monday shooting
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BAKER - A teenager was killed and another person was seriously hurt in a shooting along Seville Avenue in Baker on Monday.
Baker police said the shooting happened around 6 p.m. along Seville Avenue near Groom Road Monday. Chief Carl Dunn said it was an argument that led to the shooting. The coroner's office identified 18-year-old Terrence Freeman as the victim.
Dunn did not release the name of the suspect but he said he's 17-years-old. Another victim was injured in the shooting and he is 19-years-old.
Witness Wardell Lewis said he heard the gunshots and immediately went outside and saw Freeman on the ground.
“I looked at that child and said baby please don’t die just hold on. He opened his eyes and he looked at me and he died with his eyes open and he looked at me cause he knew I was there. I couldn’t do nothing for him. Lord have mercy.”
Dunn said this is the second homicide in Baker this year. He said the community is close knit, and his agency does their best to prevent these tragedies from repeating.
"I have to cringe every time I hear of a shooting in Baker," Dunn said. "We do all we can to avoid this—to avoid any type of atmosphere where a fight would even occur, because we always maintain a visibility, and good communication with our citizens."
Lewis said this is a memory that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
“I can’t sleep, every time I shut my eyes I’m looking at that child,” Lewis said.
Freeman graduated from high school in May. The City of Baker School System released the following statement:
Dear Baker Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you following the tragic events that occurred on the evening of Monday, July 7. We are deeply saddened to learn that a shooting in our community has resulted in the loss of one of our recent graduates and life-threatening injuries to another. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and individuals affected by this senseless act of violence.
While the incident did not occur on school grounds or during school hours, we recognize that such events impact all of us — students, families, educators, and neighbors. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we are committed to ensuring a secure and supportive environment in our schools, especially in times of community crisis.
We are in communication with local law enforcement and will continue to monitor the situation closely. As of now, the identity of the individuals involved has not been publicly released, and we respect the privacy of those directly impacted.
Our district believes in the strength and resilience of the Baker community. Together, we will continue working toward peace, safety, and healing.
If you have any concerns or feel your child needs support, please do not hesitate to contact your school administrator or the district office.
Thank you for your ongoing support and care for one another during this difficult time.
With deepest condolences,
JT Stroder, Superintendent
Metro Councilman Anthony Kenney, whose district the shooting happened in, said he is working with law enforcement and local government to address the issues.
"Violence of this nature has no place in any of our communities. I am in communication with Mayor Waites, Chief Dunn, youth organizations and various community leaders to find collaborative solutions and preventative measures to resolve violent acts in our communities. Our young people and families deserve to live in safe and vibrant communities. We are praying for the families of those directly affected by this incident and the city of Baker."
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