Killer Dies in Jail, Sparking Joy Among Victim's Friends

The man convicted of fatally stabbing a mother-of-two died suddenly in jail on September 13, while in the process of appealing his conviction. Mark Graham Ludbrook, 54, was serving a 19-year sentence for the murder of Autumn Baker, 40, who he stabbed multiple times on August 3, 2023.

Ludbrook, who was confined to a wheelchair due to transverse myelitis, died at Port Phillip Prison's specialized medical unit. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed. A coroner's investigation is expected.

Ludbrook's death has elicited strong reactions from friends of Ms. Baker. Social media posts expressed relief and condemnation, with one friend writing, "Rot in Hell Mark Ludbrook you savage murderer of a young mother Autumn Baker." Others celebrated his death, with one comment stating, "He may not have served out his sentence but he got one better imo."

These reactions stand in contrast to tributes from some of Ludbrook's friends who remembered him fondly, recalling his involvement in DJing at gigs and festivals.

Ludbrook was found guilty in February by a Supreme Court of Victoria jury after a previous trial resulted in a hung jury. He was sentenced in May to 19 years in prison, with a 14-year non-parole period.

The court heard that on the night of the murder, Ludbrook had taken a double dose of an illegal drug. He became erratic, stabbing himself in the abdomen before turning on Ms. Baker. She had arrived at his home out of concern for his well-being, having been a friend to Ludbrook. Ms. Baker sustained defensive wounds to her hands and was stabbed repeatedly in the chest and face.

Ms. Baker was known as a vocal anti-vaccination activist. During Victoria's COVID-19 lockdowns, she participated in protests against mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passes. In January 2022, she spoke at a protest in support of tennis player Novak Djokovic, who had been deported from Australia over his vaccination status.