Update on the Shooting Investigation

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

Authorities with the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, in conjunction with the United States Marshals Service, continue their efforts to locate and apprehend Jakier Shanique Austin, a 21-year-old man who is wanted for the Jan. 20 murder of Najee Ali Baker at Wake Forest.  Baker was a Winston-Salem State University student who was shot while attending a party at Wake Forest.

The Winston-Salem Police Department arrested 16-year-old Malik Patience Smith in January on charges associated with the incident.  Smith is charged with possession of a handgun by a minor, assault by pointing a gun, and possession of a firearm on educational property.

Neither Austin nor Smith have connections with Wake Forest.

“As detectives prepare for the eventual prosecution of this matters, efforts continue to identify and interview anyone with information relevant to the investigation,” according to a Winston-Salem Police Department official. “Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jakier Shanique Austin, or information about the murder of Najee Baker, is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700 or the Criminal Investigations Division at 336-773-7716.”

This will be the last update until the situation changes.

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