Defense in Vernon Hills murder gets more time
Defense attorneys for a Deerfield man accused of murdering his girlfriend's mother in her Vernon Hills home received more time Tuesday to decide if they will challenge a report finding their client mentally fit to stand trial.
Daniel Baker, 21, was found fit on May 14 to face first-degree murder charges in the April 1, 2010 slaying of Marina Aksman. Charges allege Baker beat the 50-year-old victim to death after becoming upset with her attempts to end his relationship with her daughter.
Baker fled to Montana after the killing, but was captured five days later.
Defendants normally have 30 days after such a finding to decide if they want a hearing to challenge it in court, but defense attorney Ed Genson said Tuesday Baker's team has still not made their decision.
Circuit Court Judge Fred Foreman ordered the parties to return to court Aug. 12 to determine if the defense has reached a decision.
Baker, who has been held without bond since his arrest, was transferred in late June to the Lake County jail's maximum security unit, authorities said, after he made verbal and written threats to kill corrections officers.