Former Central Texas Baptist minister Matt Baker, who was indicted on murder charges Wednesday in the April 2006 death of his wife, surrendered to Kerr County officials at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Baker’s bond was set at $500,000, and officials said he was expected to remain in custody at least until his attorney can ask 19th State District Judge Ralph Strother in Waco to reduce his bond at a hearing Wednesday morning.

In other developments Thursday, Strother issued a verbal gag order in the Baker case, instructing attorneys on both sides not to speak to the media. Strother plans to issue a more formal, written order next week.

“I don’t want this case tried in public,” Strother said. “It is going to be tried in the courtroom.”

Baker, 37, moved to Kerrville with his two daughters after the death of his 31-year-old wife, Kari, a teacher, at their home in Hewitt. Her death initially was ruled suicide by sleeping pill overdose.

However, her parents, who do not believe she committed suicide, had her body exhumed for an autopsy and pushed Hewitt police to reopen the investigation.

The indictment against Baker alleges he administered drugs to his wife and then suffocated her with a pillow.

Baker has said his wife committed suicide because she was depressed over the death of their daughter. He has denied that he killed his wife.

His attorney, Richard Ellison, declined comment Thursday, citing Strother’s gag order.

A Kerr County sheriff’s office spokesman said McLennan County officials will return Baker to McLennan County before next week’s hearing unless Baker is able to post bail before then.

twitherspoon@wacotrib.com

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