Defendants in the slaying of Clifford M. Carden Jr., Susan Lynette Baker, in tan at left, and Thomas Bryan Bettis, right in tan, talk with their lawyers during a break in the hearing before General Sessions Judge L. Thomas Austin in this file photo.Bond for Susan Lynette Baker, one of two defendants charged in the 2011 shooting death of 55-year-old Bledsoe County, Tenn., resident Clifford Carden, was revoked Wednesday and she was ordered by the judge in the case to undergo further mental evaluation.
Baker, 35 when she was charged in February 2011, was released on $150,000 bond shortly after her arrest almost two years ago, but Circuit Court Judge Buddy Perry sent her back behind bars Wednesday after a discussion about the impact of Baker’s medications on her competency evaluations, according to 12th Judicial District Assistant District Attorney Steve Strain.
“There was proof from both psychologists that part of her issues with competence may have to do with her medication,” Strain said.
Strain said Baker was placed in custody to provide a controlled environment to try to eliminate the impact of her medications on competency evaluations.
The competency hearing set for Wednesday was continued until May 3.