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Parents of murdered 17-year-old plead for information in case

On Saturday night, the Bakers received a knock on their door that would change their lives forever.

Posted Updated

By
Kirsten Gutierrez
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — An arrest has not been made yet in Veronica Baker's murder.

Her body was found inside her car Saturday in a Bojangles parking lot on Jones Sausage Road in Raleigh.

Now, her parents are pleading with the public for information on the case.

“She didn’t deserve to get shot and killed and left in a parking lot," said Jim Baker, Veronica's father.

On Saturday night, the Bakers received a knock on their door that would change their lives forever.

“When we laid down in the bed Saturday night, God, something felt different," said Veronica's mother, Laura Baker.

A homicide detective informed them that their daughter had been murdered.

"She was my baby. She was my baby who had a future. She had such big, big plans for her future," said Laura Baker.

Her parents said she was out with friends and texted them she was heading home around 7 p.m. Saturday.

"She was supposed to come home," said Laura Baker.

The Bakers said they believe their daughter was robbed.

“My daughter would never hurt anybody. She didn’t have a fighting chance in this. She was a good girl; she has the biggest heart," said Laura Baker.

Baker's parents said she loved camping, the ocean and helping others.

Veronica was supposed to start college at Wake Technical Community College Monday.

“We were concerned about empty-nesters when she went to college, but not like this, not like this," said Jim Baker.

Now, her family is left with the looming question of who killed her and why.

“I just wish whoever it was would turn themselves in. Or someone would jump forward and say what they saw. I know people are scared, but I’m sure my baby was when she got shot. Just please come forward," said Jim Baker.

The Bakers said they will hold a wake for Veronica on Friday. On Saturday, she will be buried close to her grandmother in Garner.

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