But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a conviction.
Christian Gabriel, a suspect in the February 1999 disappearance of 9-year-old Erica Baker, has been serving a six-year sentence since his 2005 convictions for tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.
Also in prison is Vincent Doan, the Clinton County man whose ex-girlfriend, Clarissa Ann “Carrie” Culberson, has been missing since August 1996.
Though Doan said he had nothing to do with her disappearance, a jury convicted him of kidnapping and aggravated murder in November 1997, but spared him the death penalty. Doan is serving a life sentence without parole.
Dayton detectives believe Barker is responsible for the death of Shelly Sue Turner, who has been missing since 2006. She was 38 at the time. Police say they are confident she is dead.
Barker, 55, was arrested by Dayton police on April 17, the same day he was indicted on charges of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence.
Turner was last seen outside Shags Tavern, 1926 Smithville Road, in September 2006. Police say that Barker, her boyfriend at the time, was with her at Shags.
Turner’s belongings, including her Ford Explorer, were found at her home, police say.
Barker initially cooperated with police after Turner’s family reported her missing. He told police that a silver car pulled up outside the bar and someone yelled Turner’s name, according to a police incident report. Barker said Turner walked to the car, handed Barker his ring and left with a guy named “Bill,” according to the report.
Police and prosecutors have not revealed what evidence they will present against Barker this week.
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