Police launch renewed search for bullet casings in Shane Barker murder inquiry at Campbell Town

A SEARCH at the scene of a murder seven years ago was just one of many that would follow a review by cold case detectives, police say. WATCH THE VIDEO

Tasmania Police officers searching today for bullet casings left behind after Campbell Town man Shane Barker was gunned down in August, 2009. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A SEARCH at the scene of a murder that has remained unsolved for seven years was just one of many that would follow a review by cold case detectives, police say.

Forensic officers have searched a paddock next to the Campbell Town home of Shane Barker, who was fatally shot in his driveway on the night of August 2, 2009.

Campbell Town man Shane Geoffrey Barker, 36, was gunned down at his home on August 2, 2009.

Tasmania Police last week raised the reward for information into the murder of the 36-year-old from $50,000 to $250,000 and a coronial inquest is expected to begin before the end of the year.

MORE: BARKER CASE REWARD INCREASED TO $250,000

Detective Sergeant Mark Lopes said police believed Mr Barker was shot by an assailant hiding along a fence line to the north of his property.

“We’re searching for bullet casings and also possible areas in which a shooter may have secreted himself prior to shooting Mr Barker,” he said.

“We believe he was a creature of habit, Mr Barker, and in the process of putting his vehicle away he had certain habits he used to follow and as a result of those we believe he was shot somewhere in the vicinity of his garage.”

Sgt Lopes said that police were hopeful of solving the crime, particularly after receiving fresh information from the public in recent days.

“At this stage, there have been at least 18 calls to Crime Stoppers and also information has come directly to Serious Organised Crime Division investigators and we are evaluating all that information at the moment and following that up as well,” he said.

“Do we think we know who did it? We’re following a certain line of inquiry and I can’t discuss what that is at the moment. We’re going to pursue that avenue of inquiry and see where that takes us.

“We’ll be doing a lot of other searches, but that’s obviously part of our investigation plan and it’s not going to be today.

“This is a matter we want to clear up. We’re hopeful people will come forward.”

Police investigating the murder of Shane Barker started a new search for evidence at Campbell Town. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Police have revealed Mr Barker was shot four times with a .22 calibre firearm.

“We believe that as a result of the wounds that he suffered he was able to be mobile for a short period of time and that he was able to get inside his residence and lock himself inside before succumbing to his injuries,” Sgt Lopes said.

But Mr Barker was unable to raise the alarm and was found dead the next morning after he did not turn up for work.

Sgt Lopes said he expected the team working on the investigation would continue their inquiries during the next few months.

Anyone with information about the murder is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.