Lead Developed in Cori Baker Case

On 02-19-08, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives developed a significant lead in the investigation of the disappearance of Cori Baker. In relation to this lead, Homicide Detectives are requesting assistance from the public.

Cori Baker and suspect Marquis Bullock were positively identified as fighting/scuffling in the red vehicle driven by Bullock on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 4:23 p.m., (the day of  her disappearance) at 71st and Riverside Drive. The vehicle recklessly ran a red light north bound at that location. The vehicle was last seen north bound on Riverside Drive in the 6800 block.

Anyone at that busy intersection during that time frame please contact Crime Stoppers @ 596-COPS

In an unrelated aspect of the case, The Tulsa Police Cyber Crimes Detectives determined that an email solicitation to the Baker family for money to help locate the body of Cori Baker originated in Nigeria, and is an obvious scam.

Comments

[Asking A lot of QUESTIONS]

When was the tip given. I read in blogs that the tip came in in November. Is that true

Also the statement says you developed a lead on 2/19/08..what does that mean? What happened the 19th and why didnt you go public with the question then? why wait till today.

thank you

[Editor]

Editor's note: Thank you for reading and responding to the Tulsa Police blog. Let me try to provide some insight about your questions.

First, please understand that there is a lot more to a homicide investigation than meets the eye. Investigators must carefully manage when, where, and how they release information related to a major crime case--especially when it comes to thoroughly following every lead and building a solid criminal case.

That said, you asked: "I read in blogs that the tip came in November. Is that true?"

Investigators have received numerous tips since the investigation began. The lead—about what happened in November—was developed a few days ago.

You also asked, "the statement says you developed a lead on 2/19/08..what does that mean?"

Literally, it means that during their on-going investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide detectives developed a significant lead on that particular day, February 19, 2008.

Also understand that oftentimes, not all of the details about a lead can be disclosed, partly because information must be critically managed so that the investigation itself and the subsequent prosecution is not compromised.

Your last question asked, "why didnt you go public with the question then?"

If you mean, “why wasn’t the public asked for help in November,” again just to clarify, the incident in the car occurred in November—but detectives did not seek help from the public until a few days ago.

Please understand that in following a lead, Tulsa Police detectives, like police detectives throughout the country, may or may not ask for help from the public. Oftentimes, information cannot be published, especially since it may hurt the investigation--and help the suspect's criminal defense during prosecution.

I hope I have provided some insight for you. Again, thank you for asking and using our blog. But most importantly, if you have any information, please contact us.

[Brenda]

I have to add that it would have been helpful to know that Cori and Marquis were positively identified as driving recklessly at 71st & Riverside at 4:30 on the date she disappeared. I drive through that intersection several times a day, often at or around 4:30, and perhaps if I had known ... maybe I saw them. At this point, though, I would never be able to remember a day in November. I'm sure it's a frustrating balancing act between getting information to a public who might've seen something and keeping the media from interfering in an investigation.

[casey]

i read on a different site there was a human bone found west of river, is this true and if so has it been identified?

[Editor]

Editorial note: Volunteers reportedly found bones while searching. The bones had slight brown fur and are likely animal bones from a deer.

[Worried Job]

There may have been volunteers searching and finding bones.

The report to the KRMG radio station was made by law enforcement and later retracted..... is what the station told the people....

Why did the police call the station to report the bone at first, and then retract it.

And why was there no statement on this blog before someone asked or as answer right away.

The answer came march 11th the original question was posted last wednesday or thursday. also the date on the question has changed.

.....please explain the course of events what happened what didnt happen....etcetera

Thank you
J

[Editor]

I just spoke with the Tulsa Police Department Public Information Officer: Tulsa Police did not make and “retract” such a report.

The original question about the (deer) bone was posted February 27. It was answered March 9.

The date of the original question still reads February 27.

Most importantly, if you have any information about the case, please call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.

[sunni flowers]

What about the blood you found in the suspects car? If there is no body how do you know if the DNA matches conclusively to the DNA of the victim(Cori Baker)? Who provided the DNA to test the blood found in the car? Did Cori Baker have blood or any other DNA on file somewhere where they tested it? Again with no body, how?

[Editor]

Unfortunately, we cannot specifically answer your questions at this time. Trial proceedings are underway and discussions about evidence can only take place during court proceedings.

Generally speaking, however, DNA evidence can be obtained from hundreds of sources--not just a person.

In some cases, DNA was obtained from a toothbrush, a drinking glass left on a kitchen table, a hairbrush, even a discarded cigarette. These sources of DNA were then compared with other DNA evidence.