Died in custody
Eric Baker
Eric Baker, 52, died in April 2026 after a police encounter near Dobson Road and University Drive in Mesa, Arizona. Police said he was handcuffed and being taken to a hospital to be medically cleared before booking when he became unresponsive, and he died at the hospital. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner ruled his manner of death a homicide. His family says officers used excessive force that caused his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, and his family says officers used excessive force that caused it.
Reported by: Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (medical examiner or coroner); his family.