CHARLOTTE, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the crime.
It's been more than two years since Karen Baker was shot and killed near an ATM in Charlotte. The 48-year-old woman was found dead along University City Boulevard near two restaurants in what the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said was a "heinous" and "disgusting" incident.
On Thursday, WCNC Charlotte learned the man who was accused of killing her pleaded guilty.
Court records show J'wuan Horton, who was 24 years old when he killed Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. He will spend just under 33 years prison as ordered by a judge.
Horton's arrest in July 2022 came three weeks after Baker was found dead. In the wake of her killing, CMPD shared surveillance photos of Baker clad in black clothing, including a balaclava-style mask, along with a black Dodge Charger.
Baker's son, Michael, also shared an impassioned plea for answers during a briefing held by the department.
"What sucks the most is that there's not one damn thing I can do to bring my mom back," he said at the time. "So I'm asking you guys, reach out to these detectives and the police department, give them any information that y'all can."
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.