Mobile park residents picket Amy Baker

In Baker's old neighborhood, signs express anger she's free
Truong, Quan. Cincinnati Enquirer, March 22, 2007, pg. C2.

AMELIA - Four weeks after the trial that sent a Union Township couple to prison for killing their 3-year-old foster son, some residents here are lashing out against the prosecution's key witness.

At least half a dozen signs saying "Amelia wants U 2 leave Amy," and "Put Amy Baker behind bars," were posted this week on poles and fences at the Eastgate mobile home park on Ohio 125, where Baker used to live.

Baker was the chief prosecution witness against Liz and David Carroll, foster parents of Marcus Fiesel, a developmentally disabled boy placed in their care.

Baker, the Carrolls' live-in girlfriend, and her children had been living with the Carrolls before the couple were arrested. They have since been convicted of murder.

Prosecutors granted Baker immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony against the Carrolls. She admitted being involved in the disposal of Marcus' body, not in his death.

The signs were clear evidence that Baker's freedom has angered many residents here, Pierce Township resident Mike Valentine, 39, said.

"The mood is total disgust and discouragement in the system" he said. "She's involved to a lot greater degree than many people believe. It (the signs) satisfies a lot of people's pent-up frustration."

Cherice Adkins, David Carroll Jr.'s stepsister who lives in the park, has publicly criticized the Carrolls and Baker.

She saw the signs posted Monday night.

"I was shocked but I laughed," Adkins said. "Honestly, I don't think enough was said (about Baker). As long as her children aren't subjected to it but I think that a lot of people are just so angry."

The signs were removed by Wednesday afternoon.

Several residents of the mobile home park said they did not know who posted the signs.