The death of retired Pembroke Pines Police Sgt. John Baker and his wife, Joanne Baker, has left family, friends and members of the South Florida law-enforcement community grieving.
The couple were found dead inside their Pembroke Pines residence on the morning of September 21, 2026. The Broward Sheriff’s Office said its preliminary investigation indicates that Joanne, 59, fatally shot John, 62, before taking her own life. Authorities have not released a motive, and the investigation remains active.
A Long Career in Law Enforcement
Baker joined the Pembroke Pines Police Department in 1994 and spent nearly three decades serving the city. During his career, he worked in several positions, including patrol, field training, traffic homicide investigations, public information and the Traffic Unit.
He also helped establish the department’s Crisis Response Team and was known for his involvement in traffic-safety initiatives.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| John Baker | Retired Pembroke Pines police sergeant |
| Age | 62 |
| Joanne Baker | Wife, age 59 |
| Date found dead | September 21, 2026 |
| Residence | 8300 block of Pine Drive |
| Initial response | About 7:12 a.m. |
| Investigation | Broward Sheriff’s Office |
| Preliminary characterization | Apparent murder-suicide |
| Motive | Not publicly disclosed |
| Official manner of death | Pending medical examiner determination |
Remembering John Baker
Baker’s police career was interrupted by a serious 2019 motorcycle crash that occurred while he was on duty. Police said another vehicle turned into his path, leaving Baker critically injured and affecting his speech and movement.
Despite those injuries, he continued participating in community activities, including charity events and the Special Olympics Torch Run, according to the police department.
Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo also remembered Baker as someone who remained committed to encouraging younger officers after his retirement and injury. Baker’s police department said his joyful and positive personality continued despite the challenges he faced.
Authorities said the deaths appeared to be an isolated incident and that there was no continuing danger to the community. The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to establish the official causes and manners of death.
No funeral or memorial arrangements were publicly available in the latest reports.