Police investigating the violent death of a man in his Auckland home say they have linked two previous incidents at his address to his death.
Shannon Baker, 55, was found dead inside his Sandringham property in December 2018. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
Shannon Baker, 55, was found dead inside his Sandringham property last month.
Police said Mr Baker was targeted on two earlier occasions in December.
"The first incident occurred on Sunday, December 2 where two male offenders have arrived at the property and threatened Mr Baker, before stealing property, including Mr Baker's wallet," Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe said.
"We also believe at least one of these offenders returned to the address on Thursday, December 6 and threatened Mr Baker again before leaving."
Detective inspector Aaron Pascoe briefing the media on the homicide case of Shannon Baker. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
There is a connection between the previous incidents and Mr Baker's death, he said.
"We don't believe Shannon Baker was the victim of a random attack. Through our inquiries we believe he was targeted," Mr Pascoe said.
"As a result of a comprehensive scene examination, we also believe there was more than one offender involved in his death."
Mr Pascoe said on on all three occassions the offenders were attempting to rob the property.
"His property was searched, ransacked, draws tipped out. We've also discovered, during our scene examination, that there was a safe inside his address and we believe the offenders on the night of his death have found that safe. The safe was not opened and we believe that it may be one of the reasons he was subject to a prolonged and violent attack," Mr Pascoe said.
The offenders trying to gain access to the safe, he said.
"We believe that the offenders on the night of his death have found that safe.
"The safe was not opened and we believe that it may be one of the reasons he was subjected to a prolonged and violent attack was the offenders trying to get the combination for the safe."
An electronic key to Mr Baker's green 2001 Mercedes was stolen on the night of his death, police said.
Mr Baker had dropped a friend home and then purchased food from the local KFC, Mr Pascoe said.
"We believe he was alone in his vehicle when he purchased that meal," he said.
They appealed for anyone with information about the key and wallet to come forward.
"We also want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity on Calgary Street, not only on the night of Mr Baker's death, but also on the December 2 and 6," police said.
"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."
However, investigators were not certain whether Mr Baker knew his killers.