Tulsa County Jury Convicts Marquis Bullock

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa County jury convicted Marquis Bullock of murder.

He was on trial for the death of 13-year-old Cori Baker in the fall of 2007.

Bullock's attorney called at least four people to the witness stand Wednesday morning and then rested her case.

Closing arguments were heard on Wednesday afternoon.  Jury deliberations began around 5 p.m.

Just after 9:30 on Wednesday night, jurors returned to the courtroom.  They voted to convict Bullock and recommended a sentence of life with the possibility of parole.

9/15/2009  Related Story: Detective Takes Stand In Marquis Bullock Trial

Cori Baker's family left the courtroom with tears and hugs after learning the verdict, that the man accused of killing her was guilty and would be sent to prison.

Cori's father, Daniel says it was the outcome he was hoping for, even though it doesn't change his grief.

"It doesn't bring Cori back but it completely safeguards other teenagers from something like this happening to them," said Daniel Baker, Cori's father.

Baker says it's been a long two years since his daughter first went missing on November 7, 2007. The search for her was an enormous undertaking by law enforcement and volunteers as well, some who knew Cori and others who had never met her.

Prosecutors were relieved with the verdict.

"It was the right result and I'm thankful to all those who gave so much in this case, it was a community effort from the start," said Bill Musseman, Assistant District Attorney.

The jury seemed to be swayed by the fact Marquis Bullock gave so many different stories about what happened to Cori that last day she was seen alive and that he got rid of the shirt he was wearing that day.

Prosecutors say Bullock, who was dating the oldest Baker sister, expressed interest in the middle sister and when she rebuffed him, he turned his attention to the youngest, Cori.  They say he then had to kill her so the family wouldn't find out.

Cori's family may never know exactly what led to her death, but they look forward to finally bringing her home.

"I think what's next is we can get her remains and give her a proper burial," father Daniel Baker said.

Family members say their memories of Cori will help them always keep her alive in their hearts.

Bullock showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

Formally sentencing is October 26.