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WARRANT: Putnam boys’ killer admits plot to kill entire family

Putnam County child murders Mark Howard Wilson Jr., from left, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the killings of Tayten Baker, 14, and Robert Baker, 12. The boys were found beaten and stabbed to death Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, in their Melrose, Fla., home. (Putnam County Sheriff's Office)

Melrose, FL — The arrest warrant for Mark Wilson uncovers disturbing details about the murders of Robert Baker, 12, and Tayten Baker, 14. In the warrant, Wilson admits there was a plan to kill the boys' entire family.

Wilson reportedly told a witness a day after the murders that he and his girlfriend, Cindy, planned to kill the family because they felt the family was putting stress on them by reporting them to the Department of Children and Families. Family members told Action News Jax that Cindy was the boys' aunt.

The plan was for Wilson to kill Robert and Tayten, and for Cindy to kill the boys' mother and a 4-year-old boy. Wilson followed through with the plan. According to the warrant, Wilson was angry that Cindy did not.

An autopsy revealed Robert and Tayten Baker died as a result of blunt force injuries to their skulls and severed throats. Investigators said they found a blood-stained knife and a hammer at the scene.

Wilson is currently in the Putnam County Jail. He is charged with first-degree murder and may face the death penalty.

Family members have identified the two boys killed in a double homicide in Melrose on Wednesday morning as Tayten Baker, 14, and Robert Baker, 12. The incident happened on the 120 blocks of Shiloh Road.

Posted by Action News Jax on Thursday, August 27, 2020
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