Only GA Woman to Die in Electric Chair is Focus of New Movie

The only woman ever to die in Georgia's electric chair is the focus of a movie that makes its world premiere this month.

Lena Baker was a black housekeeper who was executed in 1945 for murdering her white boss – who she also was romantically involved with. She claimed the shooting was self-defense but a jury did not agree.

In August 2005 – the State Board of Pardons and Paroles pardoned Baker, saying the decision to deny her clemency was an error and she could have been charged with the lesser crime of voluntary manslaughter.

Actress Tichina Arnold, best known for her roles in the TV shows “Martin” and “Everybody Hates Chris,” will portray Baker in "The Lena Baker Story" – one of more than 150 movies featured this month at the Atlanta Film Festival.