Charlotte, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Cheryl Harris Gates, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly poisoning her husband. Gates is accused of contaminating her husband’s drink with prescription medications. Following an investigation initiated by the Charlotte Police Department, she was arrested and is also facing additional charges including stalking and property damage. Concerns have been raised about her position within the school system, and parents are calling for thorough background checks for employees interacting with children.
Charlotte – A 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Cheryl Harris Gates, was charged with attempted murder on Friday, October 10. This charge comes in connection with allegations that Gates attempted to poison her husband by contaminating his drink. The Charlotte Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving reports about the incident involving attempted poisoning. Gates was arrested following the investigation and is now in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Gates faces additional charges, including contaminating food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and damage to property. Specific details regarding the poisoning incident, including the substances allegedly used, have not been disclosed by law enforcement. However, it has been reported that Gates is alleged to have placed prescription medications in her husband’s energy drink.
Evidence presented in court documents indicates that Gates used ChatGPT to research drug combinations that could be lethal or incapacitating. The incident is confirmed to have occurred off school property, and authorities have stated that it did not involve any students, teachers, or faculty from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system.
As of now, the school district has not released information concerning Gates’ employment status, although her professional webpage has been taken down. Gates was first arrested for charges of stalking and damage to property on October 7 before the more serious charge of attempted murder was filed against her. She has been denied bond and remains in custody, with her next court date scheduled for October 30. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is continuing its investigation into the case.
Concerns have arisen among parents regarding Gates’ connection to the school system. They have called for thorough background checks for all employees who interact with children, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of students and staff alike. The CMPD has urged anyone with information related to the case to contact their domestic violence unit or Crime Stoppers.
Stay Informed
This developing story highlights significant concerns about employee safety in schools and the implications of criminal behavior among individuals in positions of trust. As further details emerge, updates will be provided regarding the ongoing investigation and any changes to Gates’ employment status.
FAQs
What charges was Cheryl Harris Gates facing?
Cheryl Harris Gates was charged with attempted murder, contaminating food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and damage to property.
What was the basis for the attempted murder charge?
The attempted murder charge is related to allegations that Gates put prescription medications in her husband’s energy drink.
Was any specific information about the poisoning incident disclosed?
Officers did not disclose the specifics of the poisoning incident or the type of substances involved.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation into the case by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is ongoing.
What is Cheryl Harris Gates’ next court date?
Gates’ next court date is set for October 30.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee name | Cheryl Harris Gates |
| Age | 43 |
| Charges | Attempted murder, contaminating food/drink, stalking, damage to property |
| Date of attempted murder charge | October 10 |
| Next court date | October 30 |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- WXII12
- WSOC TV
- Charlotte Observer
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Attempted murder
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools employee crime
- Google Scholar: domestic violence in schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: legal approaches to domestic violence
- Google News: Charlotte school employee charged
Author: HERE Charlotte
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