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Killer Fooled Court With Bad Back, Then Murdered Woman
22 Feb
Summary
- Killer feigned a bad back to escape justice, but was convicted.
- Victim Autumn Baker was stabbed to death in August 2023.
- Drugs likely played a role in the horrific murder.
Mark Ludbrook has been found guilty of the murder of Autumn Baker, who was killed on August 3, 2023. A Supreme Court of Victoria jury delivered a guilty verdict after Ludbrook had previously attempted to deceive a court with a supposed bad back. The prosecution presented graphic evidence, including body-worn camera footage of the bloody crime scene in Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne.
Ms. Baker was stabbed multiple times, including her eyes and arms, while fighting for her life. The motive for the murder remains unclear, though illicit drugs, specifically PCE, were found at Ludbrook's residence. He admitted to self-medicating with drugs like ketamine for pain relief.
Ludbrook's defense argued he was in a state of delirium induced by drug use, akin to acute brain failure. However, the prosecution contended that his actions, including specific targeting of Ms. Baker's chest and eyes, were conscious, voluntary, and deliberate, thus constituting murder.
Autumn Baker was known for her opposition to Victoria's COVID-19 lockdowns and mandatory vaccination policies, having participated in numerous protests. She had reportedly shown compassion towards Ludbrook just before the attack, attempting to intervene as he harmed himself before turning on her.
