Baker's defense team delays decions

Defense attorneys for the man accused of the 2010 murder of a woman in her Vernon Hills home said Thursday they have not decided a position on their client's mental fitness. Daniel Baker, 21, of Deerfield, was found mentally fit to stand trial for the murder of Marina Aksman, 50, by a court-appointed psychologist on May 14. Defense attorneys Edward Genson of Chicago and Michael Nerheim of Waukegan said Thursday the psychiatrist they hired to evaluate Baker needs more time before he can render an opinion. Lake County Circuit Judge Fred Foreman told them to return to court Aug. 2 to announce if they want to challenge the finding. Police said Baker beat Aksman to death with a baseball bat on April 1 of last year because he was upset by the woman's efforts to end his relationship with her daughter, Kristina. Baker is held without bond in the Lake County jail. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the murder.