Youth Convicted of Loogootee Murders to be Re-Sentenced

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Published on February 11 2016 2:27 pm
Last Updated on February 11 2016 4:21 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The youth convicted of two murders in the Loogootee community will be re-sentenced.

Clifford Baker was 15 years old when he was charged with entering the home of his neighbors, Mike Mahon and Deb Tish, in 2010 and killing them. He was convicted in 2011 and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The US Supreme Court has now ruled that sentences of life without parole for those under age 18 are unconstitutional, even sentences that were imposed before the ruling was issued. That means Baker needs to be re-sentenced. He could still receive a life sentence, but parole would have to be an option.

Baker was also convicted of multiple counts of home invasion for breaking into another neighbor's home on the night of the murders as well as the home of Mahon and Tish.

The Fayette County State's Attorney's Office said the matter is next scheduled for a telephone conference call on February 22, when a sentencing date could be set.

Baker, now 20 years old, is being held in Menard Correctional Center in Chester in southern Illinois.