The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:01 PM
Man Accused Of Shooting and Killing Dickson County Deputy Enters Not Guilty Plea
Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles both were charged in the death of Sgt. Daniel Baker on May 30.
Wiggins made a court appearance Friday morning and pleaded not guilty to 12 counts, including criminal impersonation, tampering with evidence, theft, and murder.
The 32-year-old Sgt. was found dead in his patrol car after responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle.
Indictments obtained by WTVF say Wiggins allegedly tried destroying and concealing evidence by setting Sgt. Baker's car on fire.
According to an indictment, Sgt. Baker's body camera revealed that the suspect fired at least five shots, one of which hit the deputy as he tried to take cover. While he was lying on the ground, authorities said Wiggins shot Baker five more times.
An autopsy revealed Baker suffered six gunshot wounds -- two to his torso, one to his hand, and three to the left side of his head.
Wiggins faces a criminal impersonation charge for allegedly using Baker's phone after he died. He's also accused of using Baker's handgun.
The trial date was set for August 2019. The next status hearing was slated for August 6.
Castro-Miles was also indicted on a murder charge. She entered a not guilty plea and was assigned a public defender.
Her trial was set for August 19. WTVF reports she will be tried with Wiggins.
Wiggins was captured after a 48-hour manhunt throughout multiple counties surrounding Dickson County.
