Santa Cruz POA says distribution of memorial funds for slain officers’ families still in legal limbo

Distribution of funds raised for the families of two slain Santa Cruz police officers remain in legal limbo, according to police associations.

Detective Sgt. Loren “Butch” Baker and Det. Elizabeth Butler were shot to death on Feb. 26, 2013 by a suspect while investigating a sexual assault. The incident shocked the Santa Cruz community and numerous fundraising efforts were begun for the victims’ families.

However, more than a year later, the money collected by the Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association and the Santa Cruz Police Benevolent Association has not been distributed to the families of Butler and Baker.

That’s because the money — and specifically how it will be distributed — is embroiled in legal dispute.

Ashley Baker, Baker’s daughter, threatened to sue over the money slated to go to her estranged stepmother, Baker’s widow, Kelly Baker. She claims the money for supposed to be used for a scholarship fund for each family’s children; instead it was combined as a memorial fund.

As a result, the money hasn’t yet been distributed. In January, the police officers’ association sent letters to both families proposing an equal distribution of the funds.

“Although six of the seven beneficiaries agreed to the association’s proposed distribution of assets, it became increasingly clear that a final resolution would not be possible absent some form of legal action,” the POA said in a statement released Monday.

In July, the association filed a complaint with the Santa Cruz County Superior Court seeking court assistance in allocating and distributing the assets of the Fallen Officer Fund.

The association says it did so in the hopes of expediting distribution of the funds.

“While the associations maintain hope that the families will reach an amicable resolution without incurring the time and expense of litigation, in the end, all parties will be ensured of a fair and reasonable distribution of the Fallen Officer Fund assets,” the statement continues.

The full statement from the police associations can be read here.