In a solemn federal courtroom in Nashville, Tennessee, Steven Wiggins, the man convicted of fatally shooting Dickson County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Daniel Baker in 2018, was sentenced to life in prison. The sentencing, delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., marked the culmination of a years-long legal battle that had initially included the possibility of the death penalty. Wiggins, now 33, accepted a plea deal to avoid a second trial, agreeing to a life sentence plus an additional ten years behind bars. This decision spared the Baker family the emotional toll of another trial, though it did little to ease the pain of their loss.
The courtroom was heavy with emotion as Sgt. Baker’s widow, Lisa Baker, addressed Wiggins directly. Her words were both piercing and sorrowful, as she described how his actions had left her feeling like a prisoner in her own life. She expressed that his very existence filled her with disgust, a sentiment that underscored the profound impact of the crime on her and her family. The Baker family’s unwavering presence throughout the trial and hearings was a testament to their resilience and commitment to seeking justice for their loved one.
U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin praised the Baker family for their courage and steadfastness, calling them “the bedrock of America.” He emphasized the importance of holding those who attack law enforcement accountable, vowing that the Department of Justice would continue to pursue justice for such heinous crimes. Wildasin also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners, including District Attorney General Ray Crouch, who played a pivotal role in the state-level prosecution of Wiggins. The federal and state prosecutions ran in parallel, ensuring that Wiggins faced the full weight of the law for his actions.
Sgt. Baker’s mother, Melissa, also spoke during the hearing, sharing her ongoing grief and the daily struggle of living without her son. She described the pain of feeling as though she loses him all over again with each passing day. Wildasin echoed this sentiment, noting that while life moves forward, the loss of a loved one remains a constant presence. He emphasized that Wiggins’ sentencing was a step toward leaving the tragedy in the past, where it belongs, even as the Baker family continues to honor Daniel’s memory.
The case against Wiggins had initially resulted in a death sentence following his conviction by a Circuit Court Jury in August 2021. However, the plea deal reached during the federal sentencing allowed the Department of Justice to withdraw its intent to seek the death penalty, ensuring Wiggins would spend the rest of his life in prison. While the federal sentence does not affect the state’s death penalty ruling, it provides a measure of closure for the Baker family, sparing them the ordeal of another trial. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence against law enforcement and the enduring strength of those who seek justice in the face of unimaginable loss.