Homicide Investigation – San Diego Central Jail

Coronado CA

31 March, 2022

7:21 AM

Description

Press release from San Diego County Sheriff's Department: March 29, 2022 The following information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It is based, in part, on hearsay and is intended for early information use rather than being a formal investigative report. On December 21, 2021, twenty-eight-year-old Patrick Ferncase was arrested by the Carlsbad Police Department and booked into the Vista Detention Facility (VDF) for 664/187(a) PC – Attempt Murder, 245(a)(4) PC – Assault with Deadly Weapon not a Firearm, and 368(b)(1) PC – Elder Abuse Causing Injury or Death. Ferncase was later transferred to the San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ). On January 17, 2022, fifty-six-year-old Derek Baker was arrested by the San Diego Police Department and booked into SDCJ for a misdemeanor warrant 166(c)(1) PC – violation of a restraining order. On February 3rd, 2022 Baker was additionally charged with 290.018(b) PC – Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. On February 17th, 2022, Baker was sentenced for the violation of 166 (c)(1) PC – violation of a restraining order. On March 4, 2022, Baker was housed in the same cell as Ferncase. Baker and Ferncase were the only people housed in the cell. On March 12, 2022, at about 1:00 p.m., another incarcerated person alerted deputies Baker was injured. Deputies went to the cell and found Baker injured as a result of an assault. Deputies and medical staff immediately provided treatment. Fire department personnel responded and transported him by ambulance to a local area hospital. Baker's prognosis was grave, and he was not expected to survive his injuries. The Homicide Unit responded to investigate due to the severity of Baker's injuries. Sheriff's Homicide detectives continued their investigation and identified Ferncase as the person who assaulted Baker. On March 22, 2022, the San Diego District Attorney's Office dismissed Baker's charges of 290.018(b)PC and Baker was released from custody. On March 29, 2022, at about 10:20 a.m., Baker was pronounced deceased. Homicide Detectives are working with the District Attorney's office to file the appropriate charges against Ferncase. The Medical Examiner's Office has been notified of Baker's death. The autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, March 30, 2022. The Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board was notified of the death and did not respond. This press release was produced by San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.