Staff Report

On April 20, 2005, 16-month-old Bryson Lee Gilbert died as a result of injuries law enforcement and medical professionals believe he received at the hands of Ryan Tyler Baker, who has now been charged with one count First Degree Murder, a Class A Felony (TCA 39-13-202).

Baker, was taken into custody on Wednesday, May 11, by Detectives Bill Davidson and Harrison Cornett of the Claiborne County Sheriff's Department to provide a third statement regarding the infant's death.

Baker subsequently was lodged in the Claiborne County Jail before appearing before Judge Robert Estep in the Tennessee General Sessions Court of Claiborne County. Judge Estep set Baker's bond at $1million and ordered him to appear in court on June 16, 2005 to face the charge. At the time of the detective's report, Baker remained in the Claiborne County Jail.

The basis of the charge is the result of an investigation that began on April 20, 2005. According to the affidavit: "On April 19, 2005 Bryson Gilbert, a child less than 2 years of age, was admitted to East Tennessee Childrens Hospital in an unresponsive state. Specifically, it was noted that Bryson had severe brain injury, impact bruising to the ears and multiple abdominal bruises. Bryson subsequently passed away on April 20, 2005. An autopsy was later performed on Bryson at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Said autopsy revealed bruising to Bryson's head, hand, chest, abdomen, and scrotum. Internal examination of Bryson's head revealed numerous scalp hemorrhages. Internal examination of Bryson's abdomen revealed blood clots, a bruised and lacerated liver and a torn duodenum. The Pathologist has noted that either the head trauma or abdominal trauma alone would have killed Bryson. Bryson's mother, Sarah Gilbert, reported to the Affiant that she left her son alone with her live-in boyfriend, Ryan Tyler Baker, at approximately 6:05 A.M. on April 19, 2005. Ms. Gilbert further stated that she had checked Bryson prior to leaving and that he was 'fine." Ryan Baker has stated to the Affiant that he cared for Bryson on April 19, 2005 at his home in Claiborne County, Tennessee. Mr. Baker further states that Bryson was fine until he fed him at approximately 12:45 P.M. While Bryson was eating, Mr. Baker states that he left the room Bryson was in and then heard a 'thump'. Mr. Baker states that when he returned Bryson had fallen off the couch and was choking. Mr. Baker then states he attempted to resuscitate Bryson. Medical personnel at East Tennessee Children's Hospital and the forensic pathologist all report that Bryson's injuries are not consistent with Mr. Bakers account of what happened. In fact, they report that Bryson's injuries are the result of non-accidental trauma."