Cullman, Alabama – A longtime Alabama attorney is facing serious charges after investigators say she attempted to kill her husband multiple times by secretly mixing fentanyl into his food and drinks. Prosecutors allege she carried out three poisoning attempts in September while also plotting the crime with others.
Incident overview
Authorities say Sara Baker, 74, a veteran lawyer with decades of experience in criminal defense, divorce, and custody law, tried to murder her husband by administering what she believed was fentanyl on three different dates between September 4 and September 20. A criminal complaint outlines that Baker “put a substance she believed to be fentanyl” into her husband’s meals and beverages while he was under her care.
The couple has been married for nearly 30 years, but prosecutors say the poisoning attempts began shortly after Baker allegedly met with another individual on September 1 to plan how the killing would unfold. The victim, who previously suffered a stroke, was dependent on Baker for daily care.
Timeline of alleged poisoning attempts
According to investigators, the three fentanyl incidents happened on:
- September 4
- September 12
- September 20
Each attempt involved secretly administering the drug “for a purpose other than lawful medical or therapeutic treatment,” the complaint states. Prosecutors allege the husband experienced “physical impairment” as a result but ultimately survived all attempts.
What investigators uncovered
The complaint accuses Baker of “intentionally causing the stupor, unconsciousness, or other physical or mental impairment” of her husband without consent. It further states she plotted “with one or more other persons” to execute the plan.
A statement from fellow attorney Will League reflected shock at the case, saying,
“It’s just sad … that someone has gone that far and is willing to go to those lengths to do something, especially when they know all the consequences of the laws.”
Involvement of alleged accomplice
Another woman, Felisha Nichole Cofield, is listed as a witness and was indicted earlier for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence tied to the poisoning case. Prosecutors say Cofield — who was being represented by Baker in an unrelated criminal matter — swallowed fentanyl to prevent investigators from finding material that could implicate her.
Cofield faces charges of tampering with evidence, and officials are still determining whether she was directly involved in obtaining or planning the fentanyl used during the poisoning attempts.
Marriage background and contrasting social media posts
Despite the violent allegations, Baker’s Facebook posts portray a dramatically different image of their relationship. Just months before her arrest, she celebrated their 29th anniversary, writing about their decades-long marriage and calling her husband a “super guy.” In another post from 2021, she wrote that she was “crazy about this guy.”
These posts stand in stark contrast to the accusations that she made three separate attempts to kill him within a span of just 16 days.
Charges and current status
Baker is now charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Elder abuse
- Domestic violence
The Cullman Police Department confirmed she was arrested on November 25 and booked into the Cullman County Detention Center, where she is awaiting a bond hearing. Prosecutors say the husband continues to recover from the impairment caused by the poisoning attempts.
Broader concerns tied to fentanyl
The case underscores ongoing concerns about fentanyl’s extreme danger. Even tiny amounts of the synthetic opioid can be lethal, and authorities nationwide have repeatedly warned about its growing presence in criminal activity. Poisoning cases involving fentanyl remain rare, but they highlight how easily the drug can cause severe harm.
Conclusion
This unfolding investigation has left the community stunned as a respected, decades-long attorney now faces allegations of trying to murder her own husband. More details are expected as prosecutors continue to unravel the involvement of others and examine evidence surrounding the poisoning attempts.
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