April 12 WSPD Update: Suspect arrested for the murder of Najee Ali Baker

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

The Winston-Salem Police Department just released the following information about the arrest of Jakier Shanique Austin, who has been charged in the Jan. 20 shooting death of Najee Ali Baker following a party at the Barn on Wake Forest’s campus.

Additionally, Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch released the following statement:

“I would like to express my solemn gratitude for the diligent work of the Winston-Salem Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and other law enforcement agencies for bringing this part of the case to closure. Their tireless efforts, in cooperation with the Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University Police Departments, will help our campus communities continue to heal. Our deepest condolences remain with Mr. Baker’s family and friends.”

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The investigation into the murder of Winston-Salem State University Student Najee Ali Baker has remained active and ongoing by detectives with the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division in partnership with multiple law enforcement agencies.  As a result of the investigation, 21 year old Jakier Shanique Austin has been charged with Murder, Possession of a Gun on Educational Property and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Jakier Shanique Austin was taken into custody late Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina with the assistance of the Charlotte Office of the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department without incident.

Jakier Shanique Austin is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail with no bond allowed pending his transfer to Forsyth County.

At this time, authorities will not release any additional details regarding this open investigation.  Subsequent media updates will be published by investigators with the Winston-Salem Police Department as information becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336.773.7700 or CrimeStoppers at 336.727.2800.

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