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Driver in Clements crash that killed 3 was legally drunk

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Friday, August 10, 2007 6:30 AM PDT
Comments (194 comment(s))

A man who crashed into another car — killing himself, his passenger and the other driver — was legally drunk, according to toxicology test results returned Thursday.

Brandon Baker, 29, of Lodi, was driving his 1973 Chevrolet El Camino on Atkins Road south of Highway 88 when he lost control and veered into the path of an oncoming 1994 Volvo, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Baker and his passenger, 22-year-old Jeremiah Davis of Lockeford, were thrown from the car and died at the scene.

The Volvo burst into flames and the driver has not formally been identified by the San Joaquin County Coroner's Office, which tried to use dental records but then resorted to DNA.

Officials, along with friends and family members, believe that victim was 25-year-old Crystal Scott.

CHP investigators had said at the time that Baker's excessive speed, unsafe turning movement when he veered out of control and apparent alcohol impairment triggered the crash.

Baker's blood test results were returned Thursday to the County Coroner's Office, which turned them over to the CHP.

CHP policy does not allow officers to immediately release exact blood-alcohol test results, but Officer Adrian Quintero, a spokesman, said Baker was definitely driving with more than the legal amount of alcohol in his body.

Under California law, those over the age of 21 may not drive with a blood-alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or above.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Ward Family wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:35 AM:

" to Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:05 PM:" You are so off base attacking the Ward family. Knock it off. " Thank you, but I could careless what Lodian thinks of me or my family. I know who I am and what I stand for. I also know that I have 2 boys that risked their lives to give us our freedoms. I can sleep at night and look in the mirror in the morning and be proud of who I am. "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 27, 2007 10:35 AM:

" TO WHOM EVER WROTE to Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:05 PM: " You are so off base attacking the Ward family. Knock it off. " Thank you but I know what I stand for and what my sons have done for this country nothing Lodian can say bothers me. She/He/It (Lodian)did not know Brandon nor do they know my family so Lodian's comments are irrelevant. I just pray that they families can move forward with their lives and remember that all three of them are looking down on all of you. "

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to Way Funny Again wrote on Aug 23, 2007 4:17 PM:

" You ever spend anytme in Clements or Lockeford, it is almost harder to get alcohol than crank... "

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to: to lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:24 PM:

" You are so off base attacking Lodian. Knock it off. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:02 AM:

" Attitudes and perceptions will never change unless people speak out about the horrors of drunk driving. No excuses. Staying silent only allows more death. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:00 AM:

" Interesting... my family is also involved in the drunk driving reenactments. Attitudes and perceptions need to change. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:56 AM:

" It's really hard to believe that people would drink and leave beer cans at this memorial site. That means there may be drunks leaving that site after their tribute. Will they ever learn? "

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Release them to Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:16 AM:

" She can reform them!! http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=24201 "

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to Way Funny Again wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:12 AM:

" Yes, alcohol is a drug and it is a lot more available to everyone than anything else. Alcohol is the first and foremost drug of choice in this country. Then you get to drive home. Death will follow "

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to Lockeford wrote on Aug 23, 2007 5:05 AM:

" It's not brain surgery. Let's see... alcohol over the legal limit, driving reckless, in the wrong lane, hitting another car... that all equals DRUNK to me. Oh, and facts from the scene are what we go on, not the fantasy land you live in. I suppose you want us all to believe this guy was going 25 mph and was stone cold sober, right? Sorry man, not going to happen. You need to live in the real world and stop drinking that beer. "

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to Hmmm wrote on Aug 23, 2007 4:42 AM:

" People are usually quiet when they are sleeping. "

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to Deb wrote on Aug 23, 2007 4:41 AM:

" There's only two choices so it can't be that hard to figure out a person's gender. Talk about a petty post. Your post has to be the stupidest one yet. "

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To Lodian- continued wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:43 PM:

" If you believe that, you must be a pritty bitter person. Most people have had a loved one involved in a drunk driving accident. I have several loved ones who have been killed in alcohol related accidents. I have loved ones that have been killed do to drugs and tobacco also. I don't consider these people bad. Anger and confussion are normal, and so is forgiveness. Things happen for a reason. "

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TO Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:42 PM:

" Do you even know what the blood alcohol level was? The word "DrunK" gets tossed around a lot. The Sentinel did a good job of stirring up a story. You are judging a case that you know nothing about. Of course we all agree that Drunk driving is not safe and that people are killed as a result all the time but it happens and it does not make that person bad for that reason alone. "

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To All Clueless wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:16 PM:

" Yes, .08 is LEGALLY Drunk. key word (Legally). He could have had 2 beers and been LEGALLY drunk. I knew Brandon for 10 years and I had never seen any differnce in his composure while drinking. I drink more than he did and I surely show a difference in composure. Somehow, no one calls me a drunk. Actually, he drank more tea than anything. "

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to Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:05 PM:

" You are so off base attacking the Ward family. Knock it off. "

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To Smith and Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:00 PM:

" Would it have made a difference if Brandon was on crank instead of beer? "

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FOB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:01 PM:

" If you knew him, you would see why his friends all seem to be in "denial" and "enablers." They are just loyal to his memory and it's too bad that you never got the chance to meet him for yourself. Use your time wisely and find another REAL drunk to try and make a point of. "

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FOB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:55 PM:

" Lodian cont: You are never going to make your case using Brandon because everyone who knew him knows that he was an expert driver AND no matter what the paper says, he was rarely intoxicated, rarely drove after drinking AND would not have been DRUNK at 6PM. "

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FOB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:51 PM:

" Lodian: you say you're not slamming Brandon yet you continue to make derogatory comments about him (the Brandons of the world). You didn't even know him and you assume that what you have read in the paper is fact, when the official report is not even out yet. "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 22, 2007 3:01 PM:

" FYI: One of my family members is one the individuals tht puts on the drunk driving reenactment at one of the local high schools. In no way do I think drinking is alright, whether driving or just sitting at home, I think it is a terrible addiction and have seen what it does to families. "

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to drunk wrote on Aug 22, 2007 2:08 PM:

" Yes, .08 , is the law. Deal with it. "

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To Beer at Site! wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:55 PM:

" It is disrespectful to Cody and his family! Yes you have a right to grieve your friend and celebrate his life but take the beer somewhere else! We dont want to see it at a place where someone lost their life because of alcohol! "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:40 PM:

" I learned the worse lesson: I hope you hold true to your word. Good luck. God bless. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Posting on a message-board isn't stopping a family from mourning. How about speaking-out to help prevent another loved-one from being killed by a drunk-driver instead of trying to shut-down the talk of drunk-driving and what happens when you drink-drive? What a shame that you, Ward, cannot acknowledge the power of speaking out. I hope your next step is not to shut down the high school programs, that depict drunk-driving deaths, as well. These are things society needs to pick up steam on or we will continue to see the Brandon's of the world make grave choices after drinking. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:26 PM:

" BEER AT SITE: So you admit that you are leaving beer cans at the site of drunk driving deaths to "celebrating life"? That's really sick. Are you also driving home from the crash site after drinking those beers? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:17 PM:

" Hmmm: Sorry to disappoint you, regarding your conspiracy theory and all, but I was sound asleep at 1am. Besides, is it so difficult for you to believe that others believe as I do and loath drunk drivers and the choices they make when drunk. Yes, it disgusts more than just one person, it disgusts many in this country. And before you go knocking someone else for chiming in, why are you suddenly appearing on the scene here? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:12 PM:

" Smith: Thanks for the posts. You are a wise person that seems to be able to see beyond some of the garbage. Well said. "

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Way Funny Again wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:02 PM:

" There are more drunk driving accidents and arrests than there are for drivers impaired by meth. One reason is because alcohol is so accessible.. Your joking right??? "

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Deb wrote on Aug 22, 2007 12:57 PM:

" Maybe Lodian has a twin sis? Smith seems to know the gender of Lodian. Way funny!!! "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:03 AM:

" TO SMITH: I am actually posting my name whether you believe it or not. My family has been raised in Lodi and I am sure there are people out there reading these blogs that know who I am. You might want to read ALL of Lodian's comments before you start making statements. I pray for all 3 families that this will all stop and they can begin to mourn the deaths of their loved ones. "

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Hmmm wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Lodian is suddenly quiet? and Smith chimes in defending her and singing her praises? Very funny. Interesting posts Ms. Smith. "

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Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:02 AM:

" Again, thank you Lodian for speaking out and sticking your neck out for a good cause...saving lives. You may not have been popular with some people here, and that always happens with a topic like this, but you are definitely right. "

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Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:00 AM:

" Lodian, I think you've made a huge impact here and I thank you. No one should have to be in a place where they are mourning loved-ones who died to0 young by a drunk driver. It is hell on Earth to lose someone this way. People need to open their eyes and squash this old attitude that too much drinking is okay, cool and that it's fun or funny to be drunk. It's not cool and it's not funny. It just makes people look like idiots and then people get killed. Change the attitudes people. It's a start. "

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Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2007 12:51 AM:

" There are more drunk driving accidents and arrests than there are for drivers impaired by meth. One reason is because alcohol is so accessible and one or two drinks can make you impaired enough to kill someone while driving. There are many people that think they aren't drunk. Even someone that would never do drugs or think they'd get drunk may have a few too many and still drive. That is why the drunk driving laws should be a lot more harsh than they are now. Too many drunks, not enough tough laws to get them off the roads. "

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Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2007 12:43 AM:

" Ward Family, You are not actually posting your name either. Leave Lodian alone. She has some very valid points that you may need to hear. Not once have you given any ounce of credit to Lodian's convictions on drunk driving but you keep attacking her personally. Why is that????? Maybe Lodian is right and you are attacking the messenger. I really don't get why you hate Lodian so much. Maybe I missed something but I haven't read anything from Lodian to you that should make ya all crazy. "

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BEER AT SITE wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:56 PM:

" No dissrespect towards the scott family. As a friend of brandon and Cody, The beer is in no way mocking the tragety. Instead, celebrating the life of a loved one. "

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"DRUNK" wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:47 PM:

" .08 If I had 1 beer within 1 hour, I would be considered "LEGALLY DRUNK". Does this mean that my vision is impared, im slurring my words and acting like a fool? Reporters like a story and the only name that was released the night of the accident was Brandon's. With 3 news vans full of reporters, a story had to be made. People need to open their minds and stop believing everything that they read. All three were killed in a tragic way no matter who was DRUNK or who was ON METH. "

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Lockeford wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:36 PM:

" TO LODIAN: Were you in one of the cars, present at the site, or even know any of these people? You are commenting strictly on what you have heard from the papers and news. Most people have no idea what actually happend and didn't know all if any parties involved. If you had meet any of these people or had been at the crash site, you may think a little differently. "

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Deb wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:12 PM:

" I second that Ward Family... Very tired of hearing the same crap over and over again....and saying nothing... like a re-run of a commercial on TV that no-one listens to after the 100th time... Lodian, apparently your cause is losing in this forum.. As was suggested find a new cause.. "

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I learned the worse lesson! Continued wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:54 PM:

" Continued... We have to make sure this does not happen again, it hurts too many people! I have seen family members of Crystals and friends of Bakers grieve and I cant explain the pain that is in everyones eyes and hearts! "

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I learned the worse lesson! Continued wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Continued... I dont want to hear the exscuses anymore like... (these are just a two I have heard since the accident) "I will drive slow" or "I am just going down the road" Baker just went down the road, and now 3 people are dead! Lets all wake up and realize that we must stop drinking and driving and stop our friends from making stupid choices also! Continued... "

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I learned the worse lesson! Continued... wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:52 PM:

" Continued... Those of us who are going to learn from this did when we got the news that we lost friends that we care about, the ones who still drink and driving did not care much about their friend and there not going to learn by reading blogs about it, so we are really just waisting our time and need to figure some other way to help! It is oviouse that if you where a friend of Bakers or Crystal and are still drinking and driving then you have a seriouse problem that you need to get help with! Continued... "

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I learned the worse lesson! Continued wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:49 PM:

" ...Continued! But I also realize it wont do any good to be mad at him and talk bad because we cant hurt him anymore, he is dead! Instead I am learning from this and I will NEVER sit back and watch a friend get in a car after drinking again! I am more then willing to be the sober driver for anyone who needs it! My life has been affected forever by this incident! It could have been any of us out there that night, why God choose to take Crystal we will never know! Continued... "

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I learned the worse lesson continued... wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:47 PM:

" ... Continued! This has really hit me hard I knew both Baker and Crystal, I was not close friends with either of them but I did like both of them and thought they were both nice, caring people! I realize Baker caused the accident because he was intoxicated and driving reckless(not a good decision) and I wont make any exscuses for his actions that night! Continued... "

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I have learned the lesson... Continued wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:45 PM:

" ...Continued... I am not telling you this because I want to get slammed but because I want you to know that people have learned from this incident and I will never sit back and allow a friends to drive after drinking again! I want both Crystals and Bakers family to know that I am so sorry for your loss and I will do everything I can to make sure this does not happed to another family! Continued... "

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I learned the lesson the hard way! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:44 PM:

" I personally have never driven drunk but I am sorry to say that I have ridden with drunk people because I thought in my young stupid age that as long as I was not driving I was good, and unfortunately I have watched friends leave the bar after drinking. This is something I regret everyday even though no one got hurt during my stupid times! Continued... "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Your comments show how intelligent and adult you really are. You don't want people to know who you really are because you have no values and are very immature. Please find another cause because I think a lot of us are tired of hearing the same BS from you time after time. Unlike you I do not have a problem letting people know who I am. Why not post your name?????????? "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:23 PM:

" BB: I really don't care about the their beliefs if you will. I am responding to what has been posted. After all, that is all we know of one another, isn't it? You know nothing more about me that I have let you know here. And that goes for the Wards as well. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:21 PM:

" continued... And yes, I have a wonderful life. Why the he!! do you think I am so adamant about getting through to people that don't take drinking and driving seriously enough? It's because I do love my family and am sick and tired of this crap by people that think it's no big friggin deal to drink and drive. You think that if you're a nice guy that makes it lesser of a crime. Bull! If you support the views of people like this Ward Family then you are ignorant and a fool. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:21 PM:

" When people belittle drinking, driving and the killing of two people then I say why not demean that way of thinking. That is what is going on here no matter how much you want it to go away. The drunks in your life have caused you pain, not I. THAT is what you need to live with. Attacking the messenger will not change those facts. continued... "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:18 PM:

" Ward: I thought that was your last post. "

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sam wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:10 AM:

" GREAT POINT Lodi Resident. "

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sam wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:05 AM:

" Ward Family, I am glad you did not vacate these blogs. I never once thought that you were supporting drinking and driving. I do feel that you too are mourning the deaths of loved ones. I am sorry for your loss. And BB, well said ! "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:14 AM:

" TO BB: Thank you for the kind words but you are wasting you time. Lodian obviously does not have a life and the only thing he/she knows how to do is type mean comments about people. I know what I stand for and what my sons have done for this country to allow us all to have our freedoms we do in this country. "

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Lodi resident wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Why can't everyone have their own opinion without making degoratory comments about one another. The fact is that three people died and their families are going to have to deal with that. I am sure there is a better way to stop the drink and driving than writing blogs on this web site and bemeaning people points of view. "

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To Lodian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:38 AM:

" If your part of MADD it explains everything... Modern Day Carrie Nation!! "

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BB...cont wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:33 AM:

" That is it. You are taking this too far. We all get your point on drinking and driving, but you just keep going off on people, and it is unneccesary! You are forgetting that Brandon wasn't the only one impaired and you should also start preaching about drug abuse too! "

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BB wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:33 AM:

" I can't beleive some of the things posted on here! I think that Lodian, you have taken it too far, by your harsh words to the Ward Family. You know nothing about them or their beliefs and need to seriously think about your actions. They never once said it was okay to drink and drive. They lost a dear friend and have a right to tell everyone, that yes it was horrible what happened, but he was a person that touched many peoples lives. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:32 PM:

" continued... sam: I hope at least one person has gotten the message from all of this and will not drink and drive. Maybe it will be your life that is spared, sam...or your children...or mine...or another loved one. Think about it. Don't stop the dialogue about the dangers of drunk driving. WWW.MADD.ORG "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:29 PM:

" sam: No one is making the family members read a message board. And no negative posts have been directed at Brandon's family personally from me. Why should we all just shut up so feelings don't possibly get hurt even when the issue is drunk driving and death? A very busy, and heavy drinking, weekend is coming up soon. There will be deaths due to drunk driving. That is a fact! Should we not talk about this issue? Think about it, sam. It has to be stopped. The mindset needs to change. continued... "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:08 PM:

" continued... Go ahead, don't agree with me. Just wait till a drunk on the road touches YOUR family and then tell me how great that guy is and how it was all just an unfortunate "ACCIDENT" and that all should move on and stop addressing the issue of drunks on the road. Can you say "head in the sand"? WWW.MADD.ORG "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:08 PM:

" to "to Ward Family": That's an ignorant statement. If winning here means someone may not drink and drive then, okay fine, call it "winning". I don't care. There is NEVER an excuse for driving drunk, NEVER! I don't care if you are popular, cute, the town hero or a good ol' boy that is loved by all his buddies. YOU do not get to KILL people when you choose to drink and drive. It's that simple. ...continued... "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:00 PM:

" You cannot be believed for one second. Someone like you that dismisses the murder of two people by a drunk driver (Brandon Baker) has no integrity, heart or soul. I doubt you are even a mother as a mother would be horrified at the fact that two people were murdered by a drunk driver and that Brandon was often out driving drunk and reckless with his buddies. All you do is dismiss this murder as an "accident". You are a very sad soul and have obviously been a very permissive parent. WWW.MADD.ORG "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:59 PM:

" Ward Family: You are avoiding the issue, again, by bringing in all the things you feel will make you look more credible. I won't fall for it. Most of us here have great things we could add about ourselves and our families, but I am not going to stoop to your level by USING them to make my point on this issue. You try to belittle me or tell me to "get a life" in an attempt to discredit my views on this issue...again, you're avoiding the real issue here....continued... "

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Get a Life wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:22 PM:

" All of you really need to find something else to do with your time. Hey! I know...why don't all you self-righteous, finger-pointing losers get off your computer and actually try to spread your message in an honorable way. You are wasting your time with this blog. These people are here for the controversy, and those who reply are only adding fuel to the fire. So, don't get all bent out of shape if someone says something you don't like. Get over it. It's been a month!!!!!! "

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reply to: to lives on atkins road, from lives on atkins road (how confusing) wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:27 PM:

" I'm glad you have a place to go to, I'm sorry for you loss, remember the good times. Thanks for spreading the word to keep it down at night,it has been very quiet,,just night, during the day, go for it! "

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to Ward Family wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:57 PM:

" You hit right on the head!!! Amen "

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Very Sad wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:55 PM:

" 2 people driving impaired.. 3 people dead... If neither had been driving that day, this would have never happened.... I don't think either of them would like to read most of these blogs... You that are so critical of these young people, beware, they may be traffic directors at the Pearly Gates when you arrive "

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to Ward Family wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:42 PM:

" If you get mad at Lodian, she wins. Do not fall for it. She is not worth it. Not once on any of your blogs could I find where you condoned drinking and driving. You have presented yourself as a loving person who is saddened by all this. May God bless you and your wonderful family. Thank your boys (young men) for me for serving to protect our freedom. "

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tigger wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Was Brandon at fault YES he was. Do I agree with drinking and driving NO. I know that when it is our time to go it will happen no matter what we have to say about it. The only problem is that it is a tradgic way to go....If we had say in how we would leave this world no one would choose this. But we dont get the choice. So please everyone on this discussion board quit bashing the dead. WHAT IS DONE IS DONE!!! "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:57 AM:

" TO LODIAN: THIS WILL BE MY LAST MESSAGE. YOU DO NOT HAVE A CARING OUNCE IN YOUR BODY. IT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK MY CHILDREN PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU. PLEASE LET THESE PEOPLE REST IN PEACE. GET A JOB OR SOEMTHING TO FILL UP YOU TIME. TO: CRYSTAL, J.D, and BRANDON my you ALL REST IN PEACE. "

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Listen Up wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Oh, ok, they took burnt hair. You got me there!!!!!! Geez, this is ridiculous. I am not saying that driving drunk was okay, if I did "quote" me on that. All I said is that you people are missing the point that she was impaired and had METH in her system too!!! Put the pieces together and get a clue, there is more to this story than the police are saying or you people fail to realize! "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:49 AM:

" TO LODIAN: You did not hit the head on the nail. FYI- my son no longer drinks AT ALL. He has changed his life. Both of my son's were in the Marine Corp to give us all freedom of speech. SO YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW ME OR MY FAMILY. HOW DARE YOU MAKE STATEMENTS TO MY FAMILY THAT HAS FOUGHT FOR YOUR FREEDOM. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Yes, trashing a deceased VICTIM of a drunk driver is disgusting to say the very least. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:20 AM:

" to "To Listen Up": No one is making excuses for meth use. You are missing the point. Brandon was the drunk impaired person that night that drove drunk and reckless therefore causing an accident. Crystal's car was in her own lane as she was hit head on by Brandon Baker. You cannot change the facts no matter who else you are looking to blame. Stop excusing drunk and reckless driving. You can't change the facts. Oh, and how do you know they didn't take hair samples? I thought you were still waiting for the results. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:16 AM:

" Ward Family: You have let us know all too well what kind of person you are. And I have hit the nail right on the head on every post I have directed toward you... and you know it. You almost lost your son to alcohol and you are a classic enabler, excusing the seriousness of the choice and crime to drink and drive. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:09 AM:

" to "To Lodian": Who is trashing dead people? And please quote where that has been done. Personally I think backing drunk driving is pretty sick behavior. "

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sam wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:45 AM:

" to TO LODIAN: I agree... quit trashing the dead. It only hurts the surving family members. "

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This needs to Stop Cont. wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:33 AM:

" Baker is no longer suffering and it wont do any good to defend him. Yes, the family and friends from each person killed are still suffering but we need to get more active in our community and try to stop this from happening to anyone else, there has to be something productive that we can do! "

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This needs to stop, but we need a change wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:30 AM:

" I do visit the OC often but I do not drink and drive, actually I often drive people home! I have been hit by a drunk and almost lost my whole family in the accident! This accident has been hard on me because I knew both Crystal and Baker. I am sure Baker had other friends beside myself who have often tried to stop him from drinking and driving but he didnt listen. "

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To To To lives on Atkins Road wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I have known Crystal for little over a year, and I truely had no clue she was doing meth and neither did her family! In the past her family got her help, but unfortunately she needed more and learned to hide her problem. Crystal did not go around doing meth in public so we did not know she needed more help, Baker was a drunk and visited the bar almost daily so lay off Crystals family and friends! "

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TO LODIAN posted 8/20/07 8:22 wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:29 AM:

" AMEN!!!!!!!!!!! "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:27 AM:

" to lodian: For your information I do not drink, go to bars or condon drinking, it does kill people and I also most lost my son to alcohol. You do not know what type of person I am so quit making your stupid @!*&%+#$ comments to me or my family. "

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To Listen Up wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:26 AM:

" You people keep making excuses for meth. They did not take hair, because there was no hair! It obviously was a big factor in her system if it was found. Get real, any other person people would be criticising, but suddenly its okay to do suh an illegal substance that has helped bring down our American Society! You people making the excuses were probably enablers as well, and feel guilty, just like you say Brandon's friends were. Don't throw rocks at glass houses. "

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To Lodian wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Trashing dead people is disgusting.. You are ill. "

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listen up... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Stop trying to switch the focus from the real murderer, Brandon Baker. Crystal did not kill two people while driving drunk and recklessly. FYI, meth can be found in the system for a over a month if the tests were done on hair follicles. You idiots that did not take Brandon's drinking and driving seriously are so full of guilt that you are looking to blame anyone you possibly can. Get some integrity and class and shut the hell up for once. "

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To to lives on Atkins Road wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:26 AM:

" No drinking and driving by friends of Crystal? Have you all cleaned up your act since everyone now knows she had a drug problem? Where were all of you when the girl needed help? "

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please wrote on Aug 19, 2007 3:12 AM:

" People gathered at the memorial at 2:00AM is a hazzard and accident waiting to happen. Please do not stand in the roadway and park on the street on this country road. We don't want another person killed. "

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Chuck wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:33 PM:

" drunk drivers sicken me.... "

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To Lives On Atkins wrote on Aug 18, 2007 4:05 PM:

" We visit Crystals memorial often and are very sorry for all the trouble it has caused you! We will try to keep it a little quieter. We dont have a grave to visit and this is the place she took her last breath! There is no drinking and driving by the family and friends of Crystal! I will always remember Crystal telling her little brother "Dont drink, I dont like the way drunk people act!" "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:35 PM:

" to "tolodian": This is not just a difference of opinion on a topic. This is simply black and white, right and wrong....like rape, murder, child molestation and abuse. Would you argue the right or wrong of any of those crimes? Well, maybe you would. To disagree or to minimize that drinking and driving is wrong is like saying any crime is okay, as long as you've been a nice guy to some people in your life. Bull$@*% "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:30 PM:

" to "To Lodian": Maybe you should get more passionate about not drinking and driving instead of defending such choices. It's people like you that make this world worse. Do you have anything you are serious or passionate about besides putting down others that care to NOT have drunks on the road that kill people??? Are you drinking right now? Call a cab! "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:26 PM:

" to "tolodian": So, what "way of thinking" are you referring to?...Is it that I don't think drinking and driving is okay? Well, yes, it does irritate me (actually really tics me off) that everyone doesn't agree that drinking and driving is something no one should ever do. It's odd you think otherwise. Are you a drinking buddy of Brandon's? "

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To Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:02 PM:

" It realy irriates you that you cannot get everyone to agree with your way of thinking.... You go on and on and on and on... saying the same thing over and over again.... tiresome.... "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:45 AM:

" lives on atkins: It's so sad to hear that these people were so disruptive. I just hope they weren't drinking then drove home drunk too. Be careful out there in Clements. It may be a little more dangerous than usual on that road if these kinds of "tributes" continue for awhile. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:41 AM:

" tigger: No one is stopping these families from healing. That's something they'll do on their own, in their own way, privately...and in their own good time. A discussion on a board will not change the facts/hell they are dealing with. I suspect they don't read a message-board at a time like this. Why would they? They probably don't give a lick of what is being said here? Would you?...I wouldn't. In their shoes, one would already know the horrors/reality of what happened. Stop asking people not to talk about such an important topic...it's been in the paper for weeks. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:32 AM:

" continued... Ward Family: So, for you to think others would act as you, shows you are clearly an enabler and sort of sick yourself. Personally, I don't think Brandon's immediate family has been on these boards. I have a strong feeling that it's been friends/others that enjoy the drink and don't think driving drunk is a big deal. Very sad. Move on and learn from this, WARD. Maybe you can make something positive out of all this tragedy. Or will you stop at the bar and drive home this weekend? THINK, before you drink! "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:32 AM:

" Geez, Ward Family! You're still at it? Well, I can 100% guarantee you that if this happened in my family that I would never in a million years go on a message board and excuse, minimize, defer blame, accuse the victims or act as if this is just an accident. NEVER! continued.... "

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lives on atkins wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:26 AM:

" My heart goes out to all of you who lost dear loved ones and friends. your memorials are touching but the 2:30am radio tribute this morning wasn't so nice. Why come to a place where their last moments were horrible. why not go where they were happy. Remember the good, forget the rest "

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tigger wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:04 AM:

" PEOPLE GROW UP!!!! QUIT TALKING SMACK ON EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. LET THESE FAMILIES HEAL AND COPE WITH THEIR LOSSES. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT YOU WERE IN THEIR SITUATION? I DONT THINK YOU WOULD THINK IT WAS COOL TO HAVE PEOPLE TALKING SMACK ON YOUR LOVED ONES. SO GEY OVER IT!!!! WHAT IS DONE IS DONE AND NOTHING WILL BRING THOSE THREE YOUNG PEOPLE BACK!!!! LET THEM REST IN PEACE "

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TO WARD FAMILY wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:21 AM:

" TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE!!!!!!!!! "

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meme, Crystal's Grandma wrote on Aug 16, 2007 10:30 PM:

" This will be my last post. I have had a very difficult time with the ones who spoke ill of my grandaughter. I have spoke to several drug clinics & Doctors. Meth can stay in DNA for a long long time and two said it can be forever. This blog needs to be closed. Thank to 99% of you for your wonderful support. Love you like crazy baby girl, always in my heart Meme "

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tammy lee wrote on Aug 16, 2007 10:26 PM:

" I have never seen so many haters in my life, For those of you that are so quick to point fingers better check yourself. "

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Ward Family wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:56 PM:

" TO LODIAN AND YOUR RESPONSE OF 8/15/07 @5:11 P.M. I AM NOT MAKING EXCUSES, EVERYONE, INCLUDING YOURSELF NEEDS TO STOP THE FINGER POINTING AND RUDE COMMENTS AND LET THESE FAMILIES HEAL. FIND SOMEONE ELSES LIFE TO MAKE MISERABLE. "

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WY wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:40 AM:

" I completely hear you Lodian, and I too have lost a family member in a alcohol related crash. This is just so sad, and yes I would close my doors to the world if my child died like this. You are right. I just feel so bad for all three of these families. May God bless them with some kind of peace. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:27 AM:

" (9:56am)continued... When driving, don't be impaired in any way. Look what can become of it...sorrow, heartache, misery and death. Hope that is clear to at least one person that thought it was cool to drink and drive before all this happened. I would think that all the families and friends would like that message to come across to at least one person they know. Peace "

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Lockeford wrote on Aug 16, 2007 10:17 AM:

" To Lodian: yes, there is no excuse for any of this, and also there is no excuse for driving while on meth. Meth is a horrible drug that takes you out of reality, which includes being a safe driver. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:55 AM:

" continued...My words go out to the people that dismiss the drinking and driving. I do not intend to address the family directly, never have. It is their choice of course if they have ever decided to read a board at this horrible time in their life, which I really doubt they have. Would you? Obviously friends and maybe extended family have been here, but a lot of those have been insistent on Brandon's choice being an accident and I just can't stand for that. Anyway, the message is clear, isn't it? Don't drink and drive. continued... "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:55 AM:

" WY: I too would find it hard to heal if my child had just killed himself and two other people while driving drunk. Although I don't think I'd be on a newspaper message board while I was beside myself with grief. I wouldn't want to read all the posts especially if I knew my son was wrong that night. It would make it very hard to go on knowing that was his last choice and he would never have another chance to make a better choice. A message board would be the last of my concerns or attention....continued... "

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To Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:22 AM:

" From A Friend.... Do you have no life, or are you just one of those people who always have to have the last word? "

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well wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:52 AM:

" Lodian, Well said. I agree with you 100%! You're one of the only ones that post the truth straight up. People may not want to hear the truth, but it needs to be said. The victim's deserve nothing less than the truth. If one person stops to think before driving home the next time he or she has been drinking then all the posts have been worth it, even if some people still don't hear the truth. "

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WY wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:59 PM:

" If this blog were about anyone in my family I would feel worse. I could never heal with people talking about any of this. I find it to be private at this point. The energy used shouting from the mountain tops can be turned pro-active for MADD or some other purpose. These were people. Just human, and now all three are gone. Lets give these families some peace and quiet. "

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Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:16 PM:

" Ward Family: Yes, let them grieve without you making excuses for their murders. There is no excuse. "

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sam wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:11 PM:

" to Ward Family... well said. "

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????????? wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:40 PM:

" DUDE ITS A BEER CAN !!!! ITS NOT LIKE SOMEONES PUTTING A PIPE AT CRYSTALS CROSS. ............IF THAT HAPPENS THEN GET MAD. UNTIL THEN SHUT UPPPPPPPP "

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Have we lost our humility? wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:19 PM:

" Heartbreaking, tragic, devastating. Three families are scarred with the deaths of loved ones. I have seen the devastation on one family. I can only imagine the pain. Once our children grow, decisions are their own. We love them, but our words of wisdom fall on deaf ears. The final straw came for the Baker family. With the most tragic of results, other casualties. No matter, the pain is unbearable. JD and Crystal, loved, missed, and rest in peace. Three families will never be the same, but life goes on. Be kind to one another. &q