Charlotte, August 22, 2025
News Summary
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Demarcus Gerald, who was shot in Charlotte. Dontae Harrison, 27, was apprehended in Atlanta, Georgia. His arrest follows the previous arrest of Quincy Harrell, both facing serious charges. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gerald’s death, stemming from a drug deal, continues as law enforcement seeks to bring justice.
Charlotte
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Demarcus Gerald, who was shot in December 2024. Dontae Harrison, a 27-year-old, was apprehended earlier this week in Atlanta, Georgia, and is facing a charge of murder. His arrest follows the earlier apprehension of 25-year-old Quincy Harrell, who was charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy related to the incident.
The shooting took place on December 7, 2024, in the 1400 block of West Trade Street, Charlotte, near a Bojangles restaurant. Gerald, 25, was shot in the head and subsequently transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 8, 2024. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced Harrison’s arrest on August 21, 2025, over eight months after the tragic event.
FBI agents executed Harrison’s arrest in Atlanta, and he is scheduled to be extradited back to North Carolina for a court appearance related to the charges against him. Gerald’s family has been informed of the arrest and its implications.
In the days following Gerald’s death, Harrell was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including murder and robbery. A witness to the event reportedly stated that Gerald was involved in a drug deal to purchase Percocet which escalated into violence, leading to the shooting. The involvement of two vehicles, identified as a black Porsche Panamera and a gold Honda Accord, was noted during the investigation, along with surveillance footage that captured suspicious activities related to the case shortly before the shooting occurred.
Reports indicate that during the robbery, one of the suspects pistol-whipped a witness and stole around $500 and marijuana, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. Gerald was ultimately fatally shot amidst this violent conflict. Another suspect, Cedric Cotten, age 27, also known as “CJ,” has been facing charges that include robbery and murder in connection with the same case. Cotten was initially arrested on December 13, 2024, and was released on bond in March 2025, with his legal proceedings still ongoing; he has been informed that he will not face the death penalty.
The investigation into the murder of Demarcus Gerald has been extensive, with the CMPD and federal agents working collaboratively to bring the suspects to justice. The community has been shaken by the incident, and law enforcement continues to urge anyone with further information to step forward.
Timeline of Events
- December 7, 2024: Shooting of Demarcus Gerald occurs.
- December 8, 2024: Gerald dies from injuries sustained in the shooting.
- December 13, 2024: Cedric Cotten is arrested.
- March 2025: Cedric Cotten released on bond.
- August 21, 2025: Dontae Harrison is arrested in Atlanta.
Key Charges Against Suspects
| Suspect | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dontae Harrison | Murder | Arrested |
| Quincy Harrell | First-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy | Arrested |
| Cedric Cotten | Robbery, murder | Arrested, released on bond |
FAQ
What was the cause of Demarcus Gerald’s death?
Demarcus Gerald died from a gunshot wound he received during a violent incident related to a drug deal.
Who are the suspects in Demarcus Gerald’s murder?
The suspects include Dontae Harrison, Quincy Harrell, and Cedric Cotten, each facing various charges connected to the murder.
When and where did the murder occur?
The murder occurred on December 7, 2024, in the 1400 block of West Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: December 2024 Homicide Arrest
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- QC News: FBI Arrest in Atlanta
- Google Search: Charlotte crime news
- WBTV: Men Charged in Deadly Stabbing
- Google Scholar: Crime statistics Charlotte
- WCCB: Homicide Investigation in South Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime in Charlotte
- WSOC: Second Arrest Made in East Charlotte Shooting
- Google News: Charlotte shootings
Author: HERE Charlotte
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