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Prosecutor: Teen Used Gun To Control Crowd During Murder On WFU Campus

16-year-old Malik Patience Smith (L) and 21-year-old Jakier Shanique Austin (R).(Courtesy: WSPD/Wake Forest University)

New information about the murder of Najee Ali Baker at Wake Forest University has come to light.  

16-year-old Malik Patience Smith is charged in connection with the shooting death of the Winston-Salem State University student. In a bond hearing Friday, it was revealed that witnesses say Smith used a gun to control the crowd outside of the party while another man shot and killed 21-year-old Baker.

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, District Attorney Jim O'Neill asked for bond to be set at $5 million.

O'Neill characterized Smith as a “menace to society,” citing charges from two previous arrests, which include felony possession of heroin and multiple gun possession charges.

Judge David Sipprell ultimately set the bond at $100,000.

A murder warrant was issued Wednesday for 21-year-old Jakier Shanique Austin, a former student at WSSU. As of Friday afternoon, Austin had not yet been apprehended.

Eddie Garcia is WFDD’s News Director. He is responsible for planning coverage, editing stories, and leading an award-winning news team as it serves the station’s 32-county listening area. He joined WFDD as an audio production intern in 2007 and went on to hold various roles, including producer, Triad Arts Weekend co-host, reporter, and managing editor. When he’s not working, Eddie enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and watching films.

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