Man found dead in hotel, belt around neck, IDed as doctor

A male prostitute has been charged with the murder of 75-year-old psychiatrist Howard Baker.

Police say Baker was found naked on the floor of his motel room Monday with a belt around his neck.

Baker and the man left the room again, and Baker later returned with another man, believed to be Baez, who was seen leaving the room at 12:30 a.m. carrying Baker’s backpack and wallet.

Manuel Baez, 27, was charged Wednesday with the murder of Dr. Howard Baker.

No other details were immediately available.

Philadelphia Police Homicide Capt. James Clark tells NBC10 Baez confessed to the crime after being taken into custody Tuesday night.

Baker checked into the hotel Sunday afternoon after telling his wife he was heading out to watch the Eagles game. Surveillance cameras show he left his room and returned with a man. After some time they left.

Clark said the first man who entered the hotel with Baker wasn’t a suspect in the case. Dr. Baker’s office is only two blocks from the hotel, on the 1400 block of Walnut.

Baker was a well-known psychiatrist who had been in practice for relationship problems and spiritual difficulties for over 40 years, according to his website.