Watch Live: Fleeing Girlfriend Murder Trial - FL v. Matthew Terry - Day 2

Reversing a decision from her predecessor, a new lead prosecutor in Florida will seek the death penalty against a man who allegedly murdered his fleeing girlfriend.

Matthew Robertson Terry, 47, was arrested back on May 28, charged with stabbing elementary school math teacher Kay Baker, 43, to death.

According to authorities in press releases and court documents, the two were together at the Landing Bar & Grill on the night of May 27.

A witness said that Terry was upset with Baker.

“I saw you dancing with that guy,” the defendant allegedly said.

Early on May 28, a man claimed to hear screaming and found Baker dead outside, according to a redacted affidavit.

Investigators followed a trail of blood to Terry in overgrown brush and trees. He was “found only wearing a t-shirt and underwear soaked in apparent blood.”

He had lacerations on his fingers and hands, as well as superficial cuts to his arm, authorities said.

“The defendant also had two apparent stab wounds along each side of his neck, which appeared to be symmetrical and clean punctures,” authorities said. “The defendant declined to make any statements without legal representation.”

Based on the blood pooling where he was, authorities suggested these were self-inflicted wounds.

Authorities suggested that Baker had fled out of a window within a locked bedroom, but Terry caught her. She sustained several stab wounds to her right shoulder, back, and a “very deep laceration” across the front of her neck, authorities said.

“Every capital murder case must be evaluated on its own facts to determine if a reasonable jury made up of Hillsborough County citizens could unanimously sentence a defendant to death,” the 13th Judicial District’s new State Attorney Susan S. Lopez said. “It is the most serious penalty available under Florida law, and I approach this responsibility with humility and a sense of duty to the rule of law. Defendant Mathew Terry’s actions were especially heinous, cruel, and atrocious. He was merciless in his brutal killing of Ms. Baker, and given his history of violent behavior, we will ask a jury to sentence him to death.”

Terry previously spent three years in a Michigan prison after authorities there said he bit, beat, and stabbed his then-girlfriend, according to The Tampa Bay Times.

He now remains at the Hillsborough County Jail in a $1 million bond.

The decision to seek death in this case is among the first made by Lopez. Her predecessor Andrew Warren refused to prosecute anyone for violating Florida’s 15-week abortion ban, prosecute doctors for providing gender-affirming services for transgender people, or trans people who used restrooms matching their gender. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) suspended him from the job. Warren, a Democrat, called the Republican governor’s decision a “political stunt” and “illegal overreach” borne of political ambition.

Warren’s office had previously declined to seek the death penalty against Terry, according to the Times in a Monday report. He told the outlet that he did not seek the death penalty based on the wishes of Baker’s family.

“We’re not really people who are hugely in favor of the death penalty,” Baker’s stepmother Kristine Empey told the outlet. “In this case, we were all in agreement that if that was what legal experts wanted to do, we were not opposed to it.”

“We just don’t want him to get out,” Empey said of Terry.

#MatthewTerry #FleeingGirlfriendMurder #lawandcrimenetwork

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[karrenherrin]

He talks about Champ like he’s talking about his child, with a smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. He’s so proud.

[margie]

What an absolutely awful man. I just read the description for this video. He’s done it before! Other lady survived thankfully.

[shantikeyz]

My ex abuser was a perfect gentleman in front of family and friends and in all social situations.

[justbystander]

Is it me or do i see an arrogant attitude with this guy ? I hope justice will be done.

[MarsHouse]

Nothing physical happened in the bar…but when they got home he did more than push that poor woman. Watching her in her final moments, knowing now they were her final moments is horrific. And that attorney DOES consult this monster after every testimony to make sure HE approves…he’s a pompous arrogant pos in my eyes. 😢 Been catching up from the beginning, seems he had no problem finding Kaye’s jugular, but he missed his own…

[_wife_mom_mimi_]

I think he is enjoying all the attention he is getting during this trial. The way he smiles, etc. I hope justice is served and he gets knocked off his high horse.

[tiffanyclark-grove]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful testimony by the bloodhound handler. His demeanor during his testimony and his facial expressions; along with the smirk that the defendant had, says a lot.

[laquitasmith]

I’m becoming so disheartened by our judicial system watching several court cases lately
Knowing this monster stabbed another girlfriend and only served 3 years even with the victim testifying to his dangerous behavior is sickening
When did victims receive less compassion and rights than the perpetrators??
It’s INFURIATING

[nikkm]

The dogs are absolutely amazing. I’m in awe of anyone that has the ability to understand dogs on their own level. 🙏

[debidriscoll]

How do you object to pictures of a victim at the scene? All pictures of a homicide victim should be allowed into evidence

[barstad-]

IMO, based upon watching the defendant, he seems so smug and I bet he thinks the bar videos confirm his continuing opinion that Kay was ‘dancing’ with that guy (for a nanosecond.)
Notice that defendant didn’t hug Kay’s friend goodbye. I think he’s angry with her, too, for taking Kay’s side.

[sww]

I love that Kay’s friend (brunette with the orange shirt) was fearless in how she looked at the defendant. She’s a good friend. Her eyes are beautiful, too.

[margaritapaz]

I can't imagine how the man from bar feels after finding out what this FOOL did to his girlfriend because of an innocent dance move.
RIP Kaye..
Lock him away and throw away the key..

[myintellect]

Can't imagine the terror she was in while running from him 😞

[SimplyLolly]

For all those commenting on the amazing ability of these pups & the pride heard when spoken about ~ PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE donate to K9 Ballistic funds so we can get protective vests for ALL our 4-legged officers!! As you saw, they lead the way… let’s help keep them safe so they can continue to lead the way in finding criminals!! 🐾💙🐾❤️🐾💙🐾

[Robin-xtyo]

Notice these defendants always don (fake) thick eyeglasses for trial... Jodi Arias, Nicolas Cruz and Matthew Terry. As if it makes them less guilty. Sheesh.

[kabra]

Why is he sitting there looking so self satisfied with a hidden smurk on his face?

[TM-lygy]

The K9 officer is so proud of Champ!! 💕

[poohcampbell]

You can tell this judge LOVES his job.

[sabineliebehenz]

A domestic violence victim is never eager to testify and relive this horrendous crime UNLESS she sees the NEED to do everything in her power to save another woman from the same.