Woman Accused Of Soliciting To Have Ex Husband Killed

BENTONVILLE — Teri Lea Baber offered a Winnebago camper, a guitar, land and money as payment for killing her ex-husband, according to court documents filed Thursday.

At A Glance

What’s Next

Teri Lea Baber is scheduled to appear for her arraignment at 8 a.m. July 8 in Circuit Judge Brad Karren’s court. Solicitation for murder in the first degree is a Class A felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years.

Source: Staff Report

Baber, 58, of Elkins was booked into the Benton County Jail at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday. She was arrested in connection with solicitation of murder in the first degree. She later was released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond. She was ordered not to have any contact with her ex-husband Richard Baber.

Tabitha “Tootie” Cleveland contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office on May 12 saying Baber wanted her to kill her ex husband, according to court documents. Cleveland agreed to record conversations with Teri Baber and act as though she was going along with the murder plan, according to the affidavit.

Cleveland told investigators she had known Teri Baber for only two months. She also said Baber was aware of her criminal history. Cleveland claims Baber offered her several items of payment including the Winnebago camper, guitar, money and land, according to court documents.

Cleveland told investigators Teri Baber told her she owed her ex-husband $45,000 and she had to pay him to keep her home and land, according to court documents.

Teri Baber was arrested when investigators showed up at her home with search and arrest warrants.

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