Man receives life sentence for killing Gilmer woman on Florida beach

MONROE COUNTY, Florida (KLTV) - An East Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison after a Florida jury found him guilty in the death of a Gilmer woman whose body was pulled onto a beach in Key West, Florida.

Billy Baker, 51, of Lindale, was sentenced on January 20 in the death of his companion.

On Aug. 4, 2017, Candice Cooper, 38, of Gilmer, was pulled from the water on Smather’s Beach, in Key West, Florida, by Baker.

Baker reported to police at the time that he was out swimming a distance from her when he noticed her floating and unresponsive in the water.

Baker, though found guilty by a jury, has maintained his innocence, including in a letter submitted to the court.

The court recommended that Baker receive mental health counseling, life skills training, and and any substance abuse counseling that he may need.

RELATED:

+ Baker is charged with second degree murder in the death of Candice Cooper, 38.

+ Florida police investigating death of ETX woman, possible homicide

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