Attribute to Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe, Auckland City CIB:
Police investigating the death of Sandringham resident Shannon Shelby Baker believe two previous incidents at his address may be connected to his violent death.
Mr Baker, 55, was located deceased inside his home on Calgary St on Tuesday 11 December, 2018.
Mr Baker was the victim of a violent assault and Police believe he died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe says a large group of detectives have been working tirelessly on Operation Epopeus for over a month in an effort to find those responsible for Mr Baker’s death.
A large number of people known to Mr Baker have been spoken to as part of our enquiries.
“Through speaking with his associates, we have discovered two earlier occasions in December where Mr Baker’s address was targeted.
“The first incident occurred on Sunday 2 December where two male offenders have arrived at the property and threatened Mr Baker, before stealing property including Mr Baker’s wallet.”
The wallet has been described as being a Hugo Boss-branded travel wallet made of brown leather and possibly adorned with a blue stripe.
“We also believe at least one of these offenders returned to the address on Thursday 6 December and threatened Mr Baker again before leaving."
Detective Inspector Pascoe says Police believe there is likely to be a link between these previous incidents and Mr Baker’s death.
“We don’t believe Shannon Baker was the victim of a random attack. Through our enquiries we believe he was targeted.
“The only item we have identified as being taken on the night of Mr Baker’s death is the electronic key (similar to that pictured) to his green 2001 Mercedes.
“As a result of a comprehensive scene examination, we also believe there was more than one offender involved in his death.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the stolen wallet or key.
“We also want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity on Calgary St, not only on the night of Mr Baker’s death, but also on the 2nd and 6th of December.
“We believe there are multiple people who know who is responsible for the death of Shannon Baker and we urge them to do the right thing and contact us.
“I want to reassure the community that we are determined to establish who was involved so we can hold them to account and get closure for his family.”
Police continue to provide support to the family of Mr Baker, who are asking for privacy from media at this time as they deal with his loss.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police by phoning 0800 EPOPEUS (0800 376 7387) or email OpEPOPEUS@police.govt.nz. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Media note – Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe is available to speak to media at a press conference at 12.30pm today to provide an update on our investigation. Media are asked to assemble at the reception of Auckland Central Police Station no later than 12.20pm where they will be escorted inside the building.
Nick Baker/NZ Police
