Note: The video above reflects top headlines from the morning of March 27, 2025. LUBBOCK, Texas -- Robert Joseph Baker, 38, whose attorney previously claimed his COVID-19 symptoms contributed to killing a stranger at a grocery store, pleaded guilty on Thursday to Manslaughter in connection with t he death of Jason Holloway, 44. Baker was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After serving up to 180 days, he is expected to petition the court for jail shock time and probation instead. On November 8, 2020, officers responded to a shooting outside of Market Street at 19th Street and Quaker just after 6:00 a.m. FBI announces 22 drug arrests in Lubbock linked to Mexican Cartels Police said Baker was waiting in the parking lot. Holloway was putting his groceries in his vehicle when Baker shot him, according to a civil complaint. Baker then went to the nearby United Express gas station and shot the building. He then drove to Covenant Medical Center, where he shot his car next to the building. Baker was arrested by an off-duty officer at the hospital. ‘Let’s just unite,’ Mennonite community in Seminole shares perspective on measles outbreak "Robert Baker fired several rounds into his vehicle, discarded his pistol in the entryway of the hospital, and wanted to check himself in for Covid-19 related issues," a warrant stated. (Booking image: Lubbock County Detention Center) Killing a Stranger Baker was taken into custody and agreed to be interviewed by investigators. Court records said Baker told detectives he was suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and drove to Market Street because it was near the hospital. A lawsuit filed against Baker on behalf of the victim and his family revealed Baker was previously a Beer and Wine Manager at United Supermarkets. Baker told police he did not know Holloway, and did not have any "bad feelings" toward Market Street. His employment status at the time of the incident was not known, court records stated. Teens arrested after shooting incident in Lubbock 19th Street and Quaker Avenue on November 8, 2020 (Nexstar/Staff) "Baker said he fired several rounds at an individual who had just unloaded his groceries," the warrant said. "Baker admitted to shooting several rounds at the convenience store area of Market Street." After Baker was arrested, his bond was set at $350,000 for the murder charge and $500,000 for aggravated assault. The COVID-19 Defense and a Civil Lawsuit During a bond reduction hearing, his attorney presented the idea that Baker was experiencing hypoxia due to COVID-19. Baker's wife testified that he experienced hallucinations in the days before the shooting. A judge later lowered Baker's bond for the assault charge to $15,000. Baker was later released from the jail. ‘House of horrors’: Lubbock women get prison for disturbing child abuse case A civil complaint stated for at least three days, Baker's wife and family knew he was experiencing hallucinations. At the bond hearing, Baker's wife also testified that he was irrational and paranoid. The civil lawsuit claimed Baker's wife "did nothing" to remove the firearm and ammunition to a secure location, despite knowing about Baker's unstable mental condition. Holloway's child will receive periodic lump sum payments, according to a settlement agreement Previous coverage: LPD: Metro Unit investigating early morning homicide Sunday Arrest warrant says Baker did not know the man he gunned down in the parking lot of Market Street Covenant Health and Lubbock Police speak on security partnership after shooting Market Street shooting suspect Robert Baker appears in court, asks for lower bond Judge lowers bond on Market Street shooter, murder suspect Robert Baker Man accused of grocery store parking lot murder out of jail on bond A victim impact statement from Holloway's mother said nothing can compare to the pain their family feels when they think of his "senseless" death. The statement said Holloway was loved and worked 60-hour weeks to support his family. According to the statement, Holloway's wife and child moved in with his parents for financial support. Holloway's wife turned to alcohol after losing her husband, according to the statement. She sadly passed away within four years of Holloway's death. Holloway's daughter now lives with her grandparents. As a registered nurse for over 50 years, I've cared for many patients of all ages with low oxygen saturation, but have never known of one who tried to or expressed the desire to kill. Because Mr. Baker and those who support him have indicated his crime was committed due to COVID psychosis, and because I know people who have had COVID multiple times, I am respectfully asking how Mr. Baker will be monitored to guard against his committing another tragic crime, if she should be affected, again, by COVID or any other condition that results in brain hypoxia. Statement from Holloway's mother The Lubbock County District Attorney's Office released the following statement. This is an unprecedented case with unusual facts and significant physical and mental health issues that we must factor into the resolution. The agreed upon guilty plea today is one that we believe stands up both legally in terms of the required mens rea and more importantly is justice for the victim's family. As the case remains pending, we are unable to comment further. Statement from the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office Baker will receive 25 days of credit for time he already spent behind bars. ...read more read less