CULLMAN, Ala. — A 75-year-old Alabama attorney was indicted on attempted murder charges for allegedly lacing her husband’s food with fentanyl on three separate occasions last September.
Sara Baker, who worked as a lawyer in Cullman County and previously served as an attorney for the District Attorney’s Office, now faces conspiracy to commit murder, attempt to commit murder, second-degree domestic violence, second-degree elder abuse, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, and solicitation to commit a controlled substance crime. The Alabama Bar Association suspended her law license in December 2025, one month after her November arrest. Cullman police investigators believe Baker conspired with at least one other person to carry out the poisoning scheme, which prosecutors say involved procuring fentanyl from an outside source on multiple dates.
According to court documents and police reports, Baker allegedly poisoned her husband’s food or drink on three instances in September 2025. Prosecutors believe she obtained the deadly synthetic opioid from someone else on those three September dates, as well as once more in November 2025. The investigation revealed a pattern of premeditated attempts to harm her husband using one of the most lethal drugs in the current overdose crisis. Cullman Police Department officials said the case came to light after the husband became ill following meals, though specific details about his condition or hospitalization have not been disclosed. The timing of the alleged poisoning attempts suggests a sustained campaign rather than a single impulsive act.
The case has drawn additional scrutiny due to connections between Baker and one of her former clients, a 39-year-old woman who has become a key witness in the criminal proceedings. This woman was charged in August 2025 with destroying evidence after she swallowed fentanyl during a case that Baker was representing her in, according to prosecutors. The witness’s role in Baker’s alleged conspiracy remains under investigation, though police have confirmed she is cooperating with authorities. Legal experts note that the involvement of a client adds another layer of professional misconduct to the case, as attorneys have strict ethical obligations regarding their relationships with clients and cannot involve them in criminal activities.
Baker’s legal career spanned decades in Cullman County, where she built a reputation as a criminal defense attorney before her arrest last November. Her previous work with the District Attorney’s Office gave her extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, which investigators say may have informed her alleged attempts to avoid detection. The Alabama Bar Association’s decision to suspend her license came after reviewing the criminal charges, though the organization has not commented publicly on the specific allegations. Court records show Baker posted bail set at $400,000, allowing her to remain free while awaiting trial. The case has shocked the local legal community, where Baker was known for her work on various criminal defense cases over the years.
Fentanyl poisoning cases have become increasingly common across the United States as the synthetic opioid has flooded illegal drug markets, but cases involving deliberate poisoning by spouses remain relatively rare. The Drug Enforcement Administration has warned that fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making even small amounts potentially lethal. In Alabama, fentanyl-related deaths have increased dramatically over the past five years, with state health officials reporting record numbers of overdose fatalities. Legal experts say domestic poisoning cases often involve perpetrators who believe the deaths will appear accidental, particularly when using substances like fentanyl that can cause sudden cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
The investigation into Baker’s alleged crimes continues as prosecutors prepare for trial proceedings expected to begin later this year. Court documents indicate that additional charges could be filed as investigators examine the full scope of the alleged conspiracy. The victim’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed, though police have confirmed he survived the alleged poisoning attempts and is cooperating with the investigation. Legal observers expect the case to hinge on evidence showing Baker’s intent to kill rather than merely harm her husband, a distinction that will be crucial for the attempted murder charges. The case is scheduled for preliminary hearings in the coming months, where prosecutors will present evidence to support the conspiracy and attempted murder allegations.
Baker remains free on bail while her case moves through the Cullman County court system, with her next scheduled appearance set for later this spring.
