On March 5, 1987, 3-year-old Paul Baker was reported missing from his Shell Point residence by his step-mother, Susan Baker.
She advised deputies that he must have wandered from the residence, while she was under the influence of alcohol/drugs and taking a nap.
Susan Baker’s story was highly suspicious and during the investigation it was learned Paul Baker and his 6-year-old sister were physically abused by her on a regular basis. Ultimately, Susan Baker was charged with the assaults on Baker’s 6-year-old sister and convicted.
There have been reports on the whereabouts of Paul Baker over the years, but none have revealed his remains. Susan Baker and James Baker, the biological father of Paul Baker, eventually moved to Chipley, Florida, where in 2000 a cold case investigation led to charges on both Susan and James Baker for neglect in the disappearance of Paul Baker.
They were extradited to Beaufort County, where the charges were later dismissed. They both returned to Florida. In 2009, a 7-month-old infant was abducted and Florida authorities identified Susan Baker as a likely suspect. The infant was found alive five days later, after being hidden in a box under a bed by Susan Baker. She was charged, convicted and is currently serving time for the infant’s abduction.
Susan Baker remains the person of interest in Paul Baker’s disappearance.
