Charlotte, NC, October 5, 2025
News Summary
A 17-year-old has been charged with multiple felonies, including murder and robbery, following the shooting death of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez in Charlotte. The incident occurred at a Target parking deck. Despite medical assistance, Martinez died shortly after being taken to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging community members to provide any information related to the case.
Charlotte
A 17-year-old has been charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and felony obstruction following the shooting death of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez on Wednesday night in midtown Charlotte. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the 900 block of Metropolitan Avenue at a Target parking deck, where Cruz Martinez was found suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite the immediate assistance from an off-duty officer and transport to the hospital by MEDIC, Cruz Martinez was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has not disclosed the identity of the suspect nor the details leading up to the shooting, but confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect was later found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
While the investigation is still active, police did not confirm any link between this incident and another shooting that occurred shortly after in northeast Charlotte. This shooting took place around 2:30 a.m. on Windy Creek Drive off University City Boulevard, where one person was reported seriously injured. Crime scene investigators were seen collecting evidence at the scene of that incident.
In the case of Cruz Martinez, investigators searched the fourth floor of the parking deck for evidence but have yet to provide any additional details about the circumstances. The CMPD has encouraged anyone with information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
Rocky River High School, where Cruz Martinez was a student, has informed parents of the tragedy and is offering counseling services for students affected by the shooting. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been created to assist with Cruz Martinez’s funeral expenses.
In a disturbing trend, on the same day that Cruz Martinez was shot, two individuals were killed in a separate shooting incident in northwest Charlotte around 1:30 p.m.. This occurred along Eddleman Road near Interstate 85, with one victim dying at the scene, while the other succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. CMPD is treating this case as a homicide and has not made any arrests related to that incident either.
The rising number of shooting incidents in Charlotte raises concerns about community safety, as local law enforcement continues to work diligently on these cases.
Ongoing Investigations
The CMPD urges anyone with knowledge or details concerning either shooting to reach out to their homicide unit at 704-432-8477. Investigations are continuing, and authorities are determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
Community Impact
The high profile nature of the recent shootings and the tragic loss of a young life have left a significant impact on the local community, highlighting the urgent need for measures to promote safety and prevent violence.
Factual Chart
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Alexander Cruz Martinez, 16 years old |
| Date of Shooting | Wednesday night |
| Location | 900 block of Metropolitan Avenue, Target parking deck |
| 17-Year-Old Suspect Charges | Murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, felony obstruction |
| Hospital Outcome for Victim | Pronounced dead shortly after arrival |
| Additional Incident | Shooting on Windy Creek Drive, serious injury reported |
| Status of Investigation | Active and ongoing, CMPD seeking information |
| Community Response | Counseling offered at Rocky River High School |
FAQ Section
What happened on the night of the shooting involving Alexander Cruz Martinez?
A 16-year-old boy named Alexander Cruz Martinez was shot at the Target parking deck in midtown Charlotte around 8 p.m. He later died at the hospital.
Who has been charged in connection with the shooting?
A 17-year-old has been charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and felony obstruction.
What is known about the suspect?
The CMPD did not release the name of the 17-year-old suspect or details on what led to the shooting. The suspect was also found later suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting took place at the Target parking deck in the 900 block of Metropolitan Avenue.
Was there any other shooting reported on the same day?
Yes, on the same day, two individuals were shot to death in northwest Charlotte around 1:30 p.m.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Charlotte
- WCCB Charlotte: Midtown Shooting
- Google Search: Charlotte Shooting
- WCNC: Uptown Charlotte Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte
- WSOC TV: Northeast Charlotte Shooting
- Google News: Charlotte Shooting
- WBTV: West Charlotte Double Shooting
Author: HERE Charlotte
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