Daytona Beach resident David Baker was sentenced last week to life in prison for sexual battery and armed robbery. 43-year-old Baker was convicted in August after a two-day trial in Volusia County.
The incident that landed Baker behind bars occurred in December 2024, when police were called to the Motel 6 on International Speedway Blvd in Daytona Beach. They were informed by the victim that she'd been sexually battered by a man she didn't know.
According to law enforcement, the victim was sitting alone in a vehicle outside a room at the Motel 6 when Baker approached. He was said to have pulled a handgun on her and forced her to get into the back seat. At this point he's alleged to have raped her, before then stealing her cell phone and cash.
Based on a description of the suspect by the victim, the Volusia Sheriff's Office located Baker about 30 minutes later. He was found at a Days Inn just down the road. The victim confirmed that Baker was the man who raped and robbed her after having been shown a photo. When detectives conducted a search of the Days Inn room Baker was reportedly staying in, they claimed to have found the victim's phone as well as a pellet gun.
Baker was initially charged with sexual battery, armed robbery, theft, and cocaine possession. On August 23 he was found guilty as charged of robbery with a weapon and sexual battery.
"A rapist and robber tried, convicted, and soon to be off the streets for good," State Attorney RJ Larizza said after Baker's conviction. "He was recently released from prison and chose to continue his violent criminal behavior. Another example of your prosecutors working to keep you safe."
Prior criminal charges against Baker in Volusia County include assault and battery with a deadly weapon, burglary, domestic battery, aggravated battery on a pregnant person, grand theft, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, and fleeing or eluding among several others.
