Additional Bones Found In Baker Search

A massive effort continued on Tuesday to locate Cori Baker's remains.  Nearly 100 searchers are combing 40 acres, looking for bone and hair fragments.  News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports those searching say they are doing it out of respect for the victim and her family.

Several agencies and a number of volunteers have joined together for one cause.  They are looking for tiny bones, some the size of a dime, in 40 acres of woods, thick brush and leaves.  But, they've all been affected by this case and all want to finally help this 13 year old rest in peace.

The coordinated search is working.  Officers have found additional bones that likely are part of Cori Baker's remains.  The searching is intense and concentrated.

"We're doing a shoulder to shoulder search and it's a grid method. We're focusing our attention every food or so. Actually, some guys are on their hands and knees, spreading leaves around. It's a great effort from these officers," said Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Huff.

It is the kind of case where people want to help, in addition to homicide detectives from Tulsa Police, there were robbery and sex crimes detectives, as well as off-duty patrol officers.

Kiefer police, the Creek County Sheriff's Office, the medical examiner's office, even students from Central Vo-Tech in Sapulpa are lending a hand.  And of course, the Red Cross is keeping them all nourished and hydrated.

"We're out here to recover absolutely every bit of remains we can, out of respect for the victim and the family," said Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Huff.

They are also searching for evidence that will help build a case against the man accused of killing Cori Baker, Marquis Bullock.  While they are finding additional hair and bones, they have not yet found Cori's clothing or purse.

"This location is relatively remote, but it fits very well with the witnesses we've developed that saw the suspect before and after the crime. All those facts together are building blocks of the case," said Tulsa Police Sgt. Mike Huff.

Cori's father sent The News On 6 an email on Tuesday saying that the family is grateful Cori's been found and although they knew this day was coming; it represents a finality that is accompanied by great grief and sadness.  They're planning a memorial service in the next few weeks.

Searchers want to find as much of Cori as possible, but will soon have to decide when to conclude their efforts.  So far, those searching do not feel they are at that point yet.

Related story:

3/24/2008  More Of Cori Baker's Remains Found

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