John Baker served nearly 28 years with the city and remained involved in community programs after a disabling 2019 motorcycle crash.
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — A retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant remembered for nearly three decades of service, traffic safety work and support for fellow first responders has died in an apparent murder-suicide that remains under investigation.
John Baker, 62, and his wife, Joanne Baker, 59, were found dead Monday morning at their home in the 8300 block of Pine Drive. Broward sheriff’s investigators said preliminary evidence indicates Joanne Baker fatally shot her husband before she died by suicide. Authorities have not released a motive, and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the official determinations on how the two died.
Baker joined the Pembroke Pines Police Department in 1994 and served the city for nearly 28 years. His assignments included road patrol, field training, public information and traffic homicide investigations. He eventually served as a Traffic Unit sergeant and was among the founding members of the department’s Crisis Response Team.
The Crisis Response Team was established to help first responders during periods of tragedy, an assignment colleagues said reflected Baker’s concern for fellow officers. During his career, he also focused on traffic safety and worked regularly with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, including volunteering at the group’s events.
His career and daily life changed dramatically on Aug. 10, 2019, when Baker was seriously injured in an on-duty motorcycle crash. Police said a car turned in front of his motorcycle, causing injuries that affected his speech and movement. At the time, fellow officers described his injuries as severe and said he faced a long recovery.
The department later said Baker regained limited motor skills with support from his family and medical team. His injuries did not end his community involvement. He participated in charity races organized through Special Compass, a nonprofit that assists children and families with disabilities, and remained involved with the Special Olympics Torch Run.
The Police Department also remembered Baker as a father of three who enjoyed traveling and music and frequently attended concerts with his family. In announcing his death, the agency said his positive personality continued despite the challenges caused by his injuries and offered condolences to his children, relatives and friends.
Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said he had known Baker for years and recalled him as a memorable officer who mentored younger members of the department. Castillo said Baker had a strong sense of humor and continued to make an impression on those around him even after the crash changed his life.
The circumstances surrounding Baker’s death emerged Monday after Pembroke Pines police and fire personnel responded at about 7:12 a.m. to a 911 call reporting two unresponsive people at the Pine Drive residence. John and Joanne Baker were found dead when emergency crews arrived.
Pembroke Pines police then asked the Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Crime Scene units to conduct the death investigation. Sheriff’s detectives said their preliminary investigation showed Joanne Baker shot John Baker before dying by suicide, but they have released no information about what may have preceded the shooting.
The investigation remained active Thursday. The medical examiner’s final findings had not been announced, and authorities had not identified a motive or released additional circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Author note: Last updated September 24, 2026.