In Baldwin County, Alabama, a 17-year-old boy is accused of fatally stabbing his mother and critically wounding his father during an attack that neighbors witnessed.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when the parents, Samantha Baker, 37, and Lance Baker, 46, were found with multiple stab wounds outside their Belforest community home. Samantha Baker was pronounced dead at the scene, while Lance Baker, a U.S. Army Reserve Battalion Commander, was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Authorities stated that the couple, who met while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, had been arguing with their son about discipline before the alleged attack. The teen is accused of stabbing his parents both inside and outside the residence. He reportedly barricaded himself inside the home before calling the police.
Neighbors recounted hearing Lance Baker desperately seeking help. "That was probably the hardest part — was pulling up my camera and listening to it and listening to the father yelling for help… please help me… I don’t want to die," neighbor Shawn Scurry told WALA. Lance Baker, a 26-year veteran, was serving as Battalion Commander with the 1184th Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion in Mobile, Alabama.
The teen, who will be tried as an adult, faces charges of murder and attempted murder. He is being held on a $1 million bond. Police have not publicly identified the suspect, described as a rising high school senior.
The couple's younger teenage son was not home at the time of the incident. Baldwin County Sheriff Capt. Justin Correa described the attack as an isolated domestic matter. Friends remembered Samantha Baker, a realtor, for her bravery and kindness.