Texas Suspect Arrested in Key West Death

Key West Police Detectives have arrested a Texas man suspected of murdering his girlfriend at Smather’s Beach last summer.

Billy Baker, 48, was arrested at his home in Lindale, Texas, by Key West Police Detective Stephen Mitchell with the help of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force. Baker is charged with second degree murder in the death of Candice Cooper, 38.

Police were called to Smather’s Beach around 8 p.m. on August 4, 2017 after Cooper was pulled from the water by Baker. The Texas couple was vacationing in Key West.

Police and rescue responded to the 911 call. Cooper was transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

At the time of the incident, Baker told police that he was a little way away from Cooper when he noticed her floating and unresponsive in the water. The investigation, however, precipitated a second degree murder charge.

Baker will be extradited to Monroe County, Florida for prosecution. He is being held on $1 million bond.

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