Debra Lynn Baker was born on August 5, 1956. She grew up in Texas, but not much is publicly known about her early childhood. As she got older, she developed skills in accounting and became a bookkeeper. Debra eventually secured a job as the bookkeeper and business manager for Jerry Sternadel, a wealthy entrepreneur in Texas.

In this role, Debra became an important part of Jerry's life. She managed his finances and developed a close relationship with Jerry's wife, Lou Ann. Many people around them began to notice their friendship. Some even suspected that Debra and Lou Ann were more than just friends. However, details about her life before this position, such as her family background or education, are unclear.

As she settled into her job, Debra's life took a different turn. By 1990, Jerry fell seriously ill and ended up in the hospital. During this time, he expressed concerns that both Lou Ann and Debra were trying to harm him. This situation marked a significant change in Debra's life, leading to events that would later change everything for her.

On June 12, 1990, Jerry Sternadel fell seriously ill and was taken to the hospital. As he lay in his hospital bed, he claimed that his bookkeeper, Debra Lynn Baker, and his wife, Lou Ann, had poisoned him. His condition worsened, and he died shortly thereafter. An autopsy showed that he had ingested a lethal dose of arsenic.

Police found a bottle of arsenic in a storage shed rented by Debra Baker. This led to her arrest and subsequent charges of murder. During the trial, prosecutors described a complex relationship among Jerry, Debra, and Lou Ann. They argued that Debra poisoned Jerry because he planned to divorce Lou Ann, and she did not want to lose her lifestyle.

The jury found Debra guilty of first-degree murder. Despite the conviction, they sentenced her to only 10 years of probation and imposed a $10,000 fine. In 2003, after several violations of her probation, Baker was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Her original probation had been revoked by the court due to her repeated offenses, which included other criminal activity.

Debra Baker's case raised questions about the motives and actions of others involved, particularly Lou Ann, who was never charged in connection with Jerry's death. Despite the jury’s decision, many felt there were unresolved issues and a conspiracy surrounding the events leading to Jerry Sternadel's death.