Child Killer Out Of Prison For Good Behavior
Child Killer Out Of Prison For Good Behavior Save Email Print
Posted: 6:46 PM Apr 30, 2008
Last Updated: 10:17 AM May 1, 2008
Reporter: Sherelle Roberts
Email Address: sherelle.roberts@wkyt.com

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A woman convicted of kidnapping and reckless homicide, for the death of a southern Kentucky boy, will be getting out of prison Thursday.

On the day before Thanksgiving, in 1992, Susanne Baker checked 10-year-old Scotty Baker out of his Clay County school, then took him to Scotty's stepmother, Stephanie Spitser Baker.

Police say Susanne Baker and Stephanie Spitser Baker were friends.

Stephanie Baker, who was also convicted, strangled the boy in the backseat of a car.

Police say the two women then set the body on fire, to try to disguise the crime. His body was found in Laurel County.

Police say Baker was pregnant at the time, and was allegedly jealous of her stepson.

Her release from prison now has many in Laurel County furious.

When convicted, Baker received a 25 year prison sentence.

But she's received credit for time served, along with credits for good behavior while in prison.

With all the credits, her release date became May 1.

No one is more outraged about Baker's release than the boy's mother Ruth Rose. She says that Baker should suffer just like her family has, "I don't want people to ever forget what she did. When she walks down the street, I want people to look at her and think 'there goes a baby killer'."

Stephanie Spitser Baker is still in prison. She's serving a life sentence.

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Posted by: Anonymous on May 9, 2009 at 11:59 PM
i know someone who is serving 50 yrs for an accidental death of a child (evading police) and he feels horrible everyday for doing something stupid and causing a worse situation. She purposely kills a child and gets way less than 50 years

Posted by: outraged mother Location: london on Apr 17, 2009 at 10:19 AM
i can't believe that this low life piece of crap is set FREE, i hope and pray that there is something that this county can do and get her locked back up!!

Posted by: Anonymous Mom on Jan 10, 2009 at 04:09 AM
I just reviewed this case and did some research on it. My heart goes out to the family of Scotty, including his mother and father. With even more conviction, I have to say that I am horrified by the discovery that this killer was released and that it appears that Stephanie Spitser has the opportunity to share moments with her son while she is in jail, after she took that right away from Scotty Baker's mother. See the attached link that shows a recent prison publication with a picture of Stephanie enjoying her time with her son. http://pfm.activematter.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=2931 If in fact this is the same Stephanie Spitser, I think a clear injustice is taking place on the parts of Scotty, his mother, and this second little boy (who is now exposed to a cold woman who should not be granted such privileges).

Posted by: madison Location: illinios on Dec 16, 2008 at 09:52 PM
if two women set a 10 yesr old boys body on fire how is there any way have good behaivior she should be in prison for the rest of her lifr

Posted by: diane Location: texas on Nov 6, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I hope all of the people who live in the area where this woman will be released knows there is a lot you can do. Make sure she does not get a job----boycott any company that hires her. If she has to find a place to live make sure the landlord knows who she is. Ostrasize her. And I mean bigtime. When she walks into a place of business everyone needs to walk out. When she comes into a restaurant everyone needs to walk out--after paying for mean of course--make sure owner knows why you are walking out. No matter where you see her everyone needs to move to the other side of the street. Treat her like the plague. I mean that literally. Let people know about her. You might be surprised at who is in the dark. I pray that the people of this community have the courage to use this passive way to express your disgust.

Posted by: valorie Location: lexington ky on Sep 3, 2008 at 02:48 AM
and to think we have to put those god awful pot heads in prison so people like this can roam around scott free? what a joke our justice system has become!

Posted by: stacey Location: lawrenceburg on May 5, 2008 at 08:36 AM
ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS.

Posted by: anonymous Location: ky on May 5, 2008 at 07:08 AM
this is awful how could u let someone walk free after they killed your child she sould rot in prison and make it the most painful experience in her life

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 12:02 AM
how can a child killer get out? o i for got it was a kid they killed..kids are nothing to the law i guess.if it was a druggie they killed they go to prison for life. this is so stupid to let a killer out so fast. you kill a kid u get no time for it.. kill a druggie you get death or life in prison.owell

Posted by: Problem solver Location: lex on May 4, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I say since the jail is too crowded for her, then maybe she should be 6 ft under and save some room! That's the problem now days, an eye for an eye should be observed! That would free up a lot of room!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ky on May 4, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I agree with waterboy's comment

Posted by: Amy Location: KY on May 4, 2008 at 11:24 AM
There is a special place in hell for people who harm children. I can not believe that someone would do something so vicious to a child. It is appauling that this cruel and evil person is able to walk free.

Posted by: a woman Location: ky on May 4, 2008 at 06:28 AM
if its a woman its not shocking to be let free. let her marry one of those on the board that made that decision with a child.and see how many years she gets for being jealous of their child.isnt it going to be a wonderful time when jesus comes for us and this wickedness is over?

Posted by: RALFFIE Location: lily ky on May 3, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Ijust have TWO qustions for the people who were involed in getting this woman out of prison. IF THAT WERE YOUR CHILD WOULD YOU HAVE STILL MADE THE SAME DECISION ? AND HOW CAN YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT ? SHE DID IT ONCE SHE WILL DO IT AGAIN !!!!

Posted by: charlie Location: corbin on May 3, 2008 at 10:56 PM
our goverment always said justice will be served well guess what if that was one of us we would be 6 ft under the jail that is excatly were she needs to be they shouldnt have let that women out of jail

Posted by: smokie Location: corbin ky on May 3, 2008 at 10:46 PM
BOTH WEMON KNEW RIGHT FROM WRONG THEY SOULD BOTH BE BURNT ALIVE SO THEY WILL KNOW WHAT ITS GOING TO FEEL LIKE WHEN THEY GET TO HELL!!!!!!

Posted by: bettyhoss Location: lily ky on May 3, 2008 at 10:29 PM
releasing that woman from prison is a crime that someone should pay for she should be made to walk in public wearing a shirt with that little boys picture on it that says I KILLED HIM

Posted by: unknown Location: e.bernstadt, ky on May 3, 2008 at 09:39 PM
id like to catch her in the woods with a rope that would be justice since the judicial cant do it.

Posted by: water boy Location: louisiana on May 3, 2008 at 12:58 PM
mamma said that girls the devil !!!!!!

Posted by: doug Location: lily on May 3, 2008 at 12:28 PM
the good book says it so i know its the truth an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. that the way i see it im a simple man.......

Posted by: sharon Location: lily, ky on May 3, 2008 at 12:19 PM
**== i believe god allowed her to be free because her day is coming and he knows that!!!!! i truley believe you are going to burn in hell and im not one to judge anyone but if it wasnt for stephanie that child might would have lived because i dont believe susanne would of had the gall to walk into the school that day.

Posted by: chuck Location: corbin ky on May 3, 2008 at 11:38 AM
it is my opinion that if you take someones life that your life should be taken by the same painful means that your victom suffered it should be done with in 24 hours from the time your convicted

Posted by: Jean Location: KY on May 2, 2008 at 10:44 PM
NO JUSTICE HERE!!

Posted by: Marie Location: Frankfort on May 2, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I believe that she stated that she was a relative (aunt?) and that is why the school let her take the boy. It was because of this incident that schools changed thier policies regarding pick up lists.

Posted by: mother Location: In Menifee on May 2, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I think this is a shame and shows us why our country is in just trouble. Why would anyone let a child killer out of prison none the less for good behavior... The poor child didn't get to come out of the grave on good behavior and he certainly didn't ask to be killed.

Posted by: Pamela Location: Harrodsburg on May 2, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I cant believe this woman is out of prison. she helped kill a child and I guess she got her free education while she was serving her time... while I am a law abiding citizen and have been out of school for 15 years and am still paying off student loans. That isnt justice. When someone breaks the law especially murder they shouldnt be given anything. They shouldnt have rights.. I think they forfeit their rights when they commit a atrocity like this.

Posted by: Parent Location: pike county on May 1, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Our troops are in Iraq protecting us 24/7. I don't see why we can't send prisoners to these countries.. It would free up space in the prisons and be a tax relief for the USA.. Once they are there Don't let them come back into the USA... We don't want a child killer in our country.

Posted by: Kentuckian Location: KY on May 1, 2008 at 09:39 PM
I have worked in the school system for 15 years and one question I have regarding this whole incident is. . .was Susanne on the child's pick up list? In the county I am employed. . .if your name is not on the pick up list. . .the child stays at school and is NOT released to the person wanting to pick him up. . .EVEN if a phone call is made to the custodial parent and they okay it. . .and exactly what is the criteria for good behavior in prison? Did she keep the tidiest cell and was awarded a button of the month for that? Or perhaps she furthered her education AT OUR EXPENSE and was on the Prison's Dean List? Little Scotty did not have a chance to live life on good behavior. . .

Posted by: Is Your Location: Same as mine ? on May 1, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Andrea, the body was in found laural co, so the murder was committed there. She should have gotten life too. but, with all the evidence, they still cut a plea deal w/ Susanne to testify against stephanie.

Posted by: Barry Location: floyd county on May 1, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Way to go justice system! What a dim witted decision. I hope whoever made this decision thinks about it and resigns whatever position they are in because their an IDIOT!

Posted by: somewhere Location: ky on May 1, 2008 at 09:30 PM
lets all give our justice system a hand clap you see murders get less time than drug dealers what a shame..i pray for this 10 yr olds mother and if i were her it would be untelling how insane i would be by now....

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Floyd County on May 1, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I can only hope that the voters in Laurel/Clay County remember the idiots that are releasing this animal. She should never be allowed to see the outside of prison. This makes me sick to my stomach...Every dog has it's day!!!!!!!

Posted by: LEXIE Location: CORBIN on May 1, 2008 at 08:46 PM
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. SOMEONE CAN TAKE A CHILD'S LIFE, AND RECIEVE GOOD TIME. HOW CAN THIS WOMAN HOLD HER HEAD UP IN LAUREL CO? I PRAY TO GOD THAT THIS MONSTER NEVER HAS CHILDREN,AND IF SHE DOES HOW WILL THE SCHOOLSYSTEM REACT WHEN SHE HAS TO WALK INSIDE OF A SCHOOL WITH CHILDREN. I THINK SHE SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE A REGISTERED "CHILD MOLESTER" SO SHE CAN'T LIVE OR BE AROUND CHILDREN. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS CHILD'S FAMILY.

Posted by: cheryl Location: unknown on May 1, 2008 at 08:21 PM
it is a very sad day when people get more time for neglecting a animal than for killing a kid i would like to know why jurys set time if they get out in half the time anyway this is a sad day in america and i know neither party i remeber it cause my daughter was the same age

Posted by: redrum Location: KY on May 1, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Hypothetically speaking, if someone happens to run over her while she's crossing the street will they get time off for good behavior? Oh, wait I forgot...we live in KY if someone is DRUNK and runs over her, they'll never spend a day in jail.

Posted by: Curtis Shepherd Location: Bledsoe on May 1, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Becky! I'll bet my last buck,That if that had been your 10 year old son/Grandson,That you would not be so full of forgivness,And Godly love for this Child Killer

Posted by: So Sad Location: Kentucky on May 1, 2008 at 07:28 PM
It is sad our system has failed his parents. She doesn't deserve to be free, after all she did help kill an innocent child. Why should she be let on good behavior? She wasn't on good behavior when she killed a child.

Posted by: My goodness Location: What a world on May 1, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Lets see here, She checked this boy out of school, took him to his father's wife and she strangled him, then they both burned him. Is that the way it happened? Well I say the public should do the same to her! (edited) When bank robbers, drug dealers, and people that are in the wrong place at the wrong time get more time in prison than a child killer like this I think the public should handle it.Where did the baby that the other (edited) was carrying end up? The system will probably let this killer have it since they were such good friends.

Posted by: Chris Location: Wisconsin on May 1, 2008 at 05:59 PM
This is only a small insight into how SCREWED UP this world has become. Both women deserve the same punishment they administered to Scotty Baker. Not incarceration, not rehabilitation, and certainly not early release for good behavior. The root of the problem can be traced to the instant that persons who bring harm to a child are considered humans worth saving. They are not. I hope Baker suffers every form of denigration for the remainder of her life. My prayers never for the criminal, but for the victim and his family.

Posted by: Friend Location: London on May 1, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Pray for Scotty's family they will need it.

Posted by: Myself Location: Mile Hollow on May 1, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I hope and pray that she never has a child. She doesn't deserve to walk free, let alone have a child to love.

Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Winchester on May 1, 2008 at 02:19 PM
This almost leaves me speechless. Well put Michael...Do the deceased get time off for good bahavior??? If prisons are overcrowded, why not go back to the way the justice system was founded? Eye for an Eye....Public hangings....There is no such thing as "cruel, inhumane, unsual treatment" as far as the death penalty. So what if the condemned feel it when they are put to death. I'm sure their victims felt plenty of pain and discomfort while they were getting murdered!! That's the problem, that's why prisons are overcrowded. Ya'll are afraid to use the death penalty for fear you might hurt the criminal!!!

Posted by: Lori Location: Kentucky on May 1, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I remember a few years back a child killer was released from a Texas prison. He was out on "good behavior", too. This supposedly reformed child killer was out a grand total of 6 days before he killed 8 people and raped 3 little girls. When he was finally caught they gave him the death penalty. Let's just hope that this supposedly reformed child killer doesn't kill any more children. I won't apologize for thinking that ANYONE that kills a child deserves the death penalty and should not waste my hard earned money on 12 years of appeals. Six weeks is long enough and if it is ever one of my children that is too long

Posted by: Andrea Location: Richmond on May 1, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Actually it all happened in Clay County. The school was Paces Creek Elementary, in Manchester. I attended the school. I don't know why this article says it happened in Laurel county, because it did not.

Posted by: Slim Location: Fat-town on May 1, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Another example of how America's justice system is failing America. It seems when an adult is murdered the convicted killer gets a worse punishment than when a child is murdered. I played high school baseball with a guy who's older brother went from high school to play professional baseball. He was just hanging out with some teammates when four or five of them got in the car and drove to someones house. My friends brother never got out of the car and don't know what was going to happen, still didn't know that someone had murdered until he was arrested. He got 20 years to life and is still in prison with no promise of getting out. This lady KNEW something bad was going to happen to this child when she checked him out of school. She still checked him out and took him to the lady who strangled him. I don't think she should have a second chance.

Posted by: Leo Location: Richmond on May 1, 2008 at 11:07 AM
It's a shame when a person can get more prison time for drugs or robbery than murder. My opinion when you take someones life i think yours should be taken also. Spend the rest of your life in prison for killing an innocent child. She should have at least served her 25yr.sentence out. What is the point handing down a sentence if they are not going to fulfill it. Good behavior or not she committed a crime and she should be punished and serve her time. This is crazy she is getting out this early.

Posted by: kymom Location: lex on May 1, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I just hope that her other inmates showed her what it feels like to be tortured. How can you get credit for good behavior in jail? There's not a whole lot you can do to be bad! "Okay, you didn't try to escape today, so we're gonna take 5 years off of your sentence!" How rediculous is that!? The justice system now days is a joke! I feel sorry for our youth that has to grow up in a world like this is turning out to be!

Posted by: no name Location: Laurel County on May 1, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I'm not surprised she is getting out for good behavior... our justice system is screwed up! I can't believe she is going to show her face again in public... No one will ever forget the horrible crime she committed

Posted by: anonoymous Location: laurel on May 1, 2008 at 09:20 AM
i live in london where all this took place and knew both girls why they should let her out is beyond methe system is screwed up. i pray for the family knowing that to day she is a free

Posted by: Tony McDaniel Location: London on May 1, 2008 at 09:13 AM
I guess that it is good that Ms. Baker got an education in prison. Now; she is going to be free. It is a shame that a 10 year old kid wasn't allowed to have a child hood and an education before he was choked and burnt. Where is the justice?????

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 09:01 AM
This is why people do so much meaness and get by with it, they know there's no such thing as punishment any more....

Posted by: jacki Location: ? on May 1, 2008 at 08:34 AM
OMG!!! How about we have her wear a sign taht say I am a baby killer! She should have to wear it like the scarlett letter I just don'tunderstand the system!!! Good behavior? In PRISON? yeah ok I see it....There should be no such thing..where in the world was her good behavior BERFORE she destroyed this child and his family? Vengence is mine says the Lord and I say POUR IT ON HER LORD!!!

Posted by: c Location: fkt on May 1, 2008 at 07:50 AM
If she received a 25 year prison sentence, then she should have served the ENTIRE sentence. After all, we are not talking robbery or drugs here, we are talking MURDER! Good behavior? What are these prison officials thinking? Any idiot can be "good" in a cell! I totally disagree with this "credit" system in our prisons. There should be NO CREDIT FOR ANYTHING! They committed a crime and should have to serve whatever time they were sentenced for, period! At least I would know what my tax dollars are paying for!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Kentucky on May 1, 2008 at 07:36 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with this childs mother and family. This woman needs to rot in prison!!!! This just sickens me, this poor child left with someone he thought he could trust! Hopefully she won't be able to make it in this world because everyone will turn there back on her and she would have wished she stayed and rotted in prison.

Posted by: no name Location: williamsburg on May 1, 2008 at 07:06 AM
why do we have jurys if they going to let them out early what good time did scotty get and his parents i do not understand this im furious now u get more time for abuse af a animal than murder of a child than people why the world is what it is today

Posted by: tim Location: Mt. Sterling on May 1, 2008 at 07:02 AM
This is appalling. Anytime harm to another person is involved, especially a child, there should be no chance at early release. I pray for the family.

Posted by: Michael Location: KY on May 1, 2008 at 07:01 AM
I ask the same question I asked on the comment board in the Puckett case: "Do the dead get time off for "good behavior?"

Posted by: Angela Location: Lexington,Ky on May 1, 2008 at 06:58 AM
I am sickened that a child killer has the gaul to want to even show her face in public again.I do not see any justice for children when a child killer is alowed to liver her life after taking that little boys life.The justice system stinks

Posted by: Father Truth Location: Mountain Top on May 1, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Another slap on the wrist.Isnt our justice system wonderful

Posted by: Shocked Location: London on May 1, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Can Scotty be released from death for "good behavior"? What happened to justice? She should have to serve her full sentence. I'm sure there are individuals that say "God forgives," which is fine for when she reaches judgment. However, we are on earth where she helped murder a child that can't receive early release - so why should she?

Posted by: Wow Location: RIchmond on May 1, 2008 at 03:08 AM
Isnt this the woman that made schools change policy to only parents or preauthorized people may pick up students? I remember filling out those cards with my aunt and brothers SS numbers every year in school save the 1st few years. Now shes out mostly because shes a woman. A child killer that may have affected every schools policy is free.

Posted by: green on May 1, 2008 at 12:08 AM
One of the greatest problems with this country: the rights of the murderer is held above that of the rights of their victim. So she was nice in prison and that erases that a little boy was murdered and she assisted? I believe people can turn their life around. But I don't believe true honest regret in cases such as this happens very often. The very least the courts can do before allowing people like this back into society is to make them serve their time first. ALL of it.

Posted by: Andrea Location: Richmond on Apr 30, 2008 at 11:01 PM
How can anyone who did this to a child be let out of prison, ever??? This is simply OUTRAGEOUS!

Posted by: jim Location: manchester,kentucky on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:52 PM
i think it is terrible that murderers spend less time in prison in kentucky then people with nonviolent crimes.they will probly release the other female after she pulls a few more years since she is elegibly for parole after 25 yrs.ITS SHAMEFULL the way kentuckys justice system is run.

Posted by: Jan Location: Pikeville on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:40 PM
This was such a terrible crime!!!How could anyone live with themselves after being a part of such a crime.. She should have gotten life...That's just one more we have to keep an eye on.....

Posted by: Me Location: Pike County on Apr 30, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Yeal they would let someone out like that, but if you counterfiet you get more time.

Posted by: aks on Apr 30, 2008 at 07:59 PM
I can NOT believe this. Good behavior? This sorry excuse for a human being does not deserve to see the light of day. This is so outrageous.

Posted by: Becky Location: Manchester ky on Apr 30, 2008 at 07:18 PM
i'm like a lot of viewers.but she has served her time and just like the babysitter.she deserves a second chance..lets just hope she makes the best of her life..and does better for herself.if God forgives...we have too but we can't forget any tradegy that happens too anyone.and even tho we can't bring a loved one back..they're better off with our heavenly father up in heaven than too be in this world of evil and sin. God Bless You All..

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