Palatka, Fla. — Mark Wilson is now on trial in Putnam County. Jury selection began Monday.
The Melrose man is charged with the murders of Robert Baker, 12, and Tayten Baker, 14.
Action News Jax told you in September 2020 when Wilson’s arrest warrant uncovered plans to kill the boys’ entire family.
Wilson reportedly told a witness a day after the murders that he and his girlfriend, Cindy, planned to kill the family because they felt it was causing them stress by reporting them to the Department of Children and Families. Family members told Action News Jax that Cindy was the boys’ aunt.
Read: WARRANT: Putnam boys’ killer admits plot to kill entire family
The plan was for Wilson to kill Robert and Tayten, and for Cindy to kill the boys’ mother and a 4-year-old boy. Wilson followed through with the plan. According to the warrant, Wilson was angry that Cindy did not.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
An autopsy revealed Robert and Tayten Baker died as a result of blunt force injuries to their skulls and from severed throats. Investigators said they found a blood stained knife and a hammer at the scene.
Read: TSA on track to break record of guns detected at airport checkpoints
Wilson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two burglary charges.
The state is seeking the death penalty.
Action News Jax will keep you updated on the proceedings.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.