Charlotte, December 22, 2025
In the last 48 hours, Charlotte has seen a troubling surge in public safety concerns, including multiple fatalities resulting from shootings and accidents. The community also celebrated a notable victory for the Carolina Panthers, while mourning the loss of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle who tragically died in an airplane accident. Each of these events sheds light on the ongoing challenges and triumphs within the city.
Charlotte, NC – Over the past 48 hours, Charlotte has experienced a series of significant events, with authorities actively investigating multiple fatalities and serious incidents across the city. Amidst these public safety concerns, the community has also witnessed a major victory for the Carolina Panthers and is mourning the loss of a NASCAR legend.
Major Crime and Public Safety Incidents
Multiple Fatalities Under Investigation
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is currently investigating several fatal incidents that have occurred since Saturday, December 20, 2025. These investigations highlight ongoing public safety efforts within the metropolitan area.
Two Teenagers Fatally Shot in Apparent Double Homicide
On Monday, December 22, 2025, CMPD announced an active investigation into the deaths of two teenagers who were found fatally shot in separate locations but are believed to be connected to the same incident. Details regarding the specific locations and circumstances of these shootings are still emerging as the investigation progresses.
Man Killed in Southeast Charlotte Train Accident
A 48-year-old man, identified as Daniel Kotrman, was killed on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, after being struck by a CSX train in southeast Charlotte along Monroe Road. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that Kotrman was lying on the tracks when the incident occurred.
Fatal Hit-and-Run and Pedestrian Crashes
CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit is also investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that took place in the Eastway Division on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Additionally, two separate fatal pedestrian incidents were reported on Sunday, December 21, 2025. One involved a vehicle collision on the John Belk Freeway near Kenilworth Avenue in the Central Division, and another fatal pedestrian crash occurred in the Independence Division.
Homicide Investigation in Steele Creek Division
Another homicide investigation is underway in the Steele Creek Division, specifically in the 800 block of Farmhurst Drive. This investigation was initiated on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with detectives working to uncover the full details of the incident.
Child Death Investigation Leads to Arrest
In a deeply disturbing development, Susan Robinson, 61, has been arrested and faces child abuse charges following the death of a 6-year-old girl in east Charlotte. Records obtained during the investigation have reportedly revealed concerning conditions within the home where the child was found.
Public Assistance Requested in Missing Persons Cases
The CMPD’s Missing Person Unit is seeking the public’s help in locating two missing individuals. Requests were issued on Saturday, December 20, 2025, for 84-year-old Sylvia Smith, and on Sunday, December 21, 2025, for 69-year-old James Elbert Harris. Community members with any information are encouraged to contact authorities.
Significant Local Developments
Sycamore Brewing Co-founder Case Update
Ongoing legal proceedings continue for the former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing, who is accused of communicating with a 13-year-old girl via Snapchat in a case involving alleged rape. This high-profile case remains a topic of considerable community discussion as new details emerge regarding the investigation.
Sports and Community News
Carolina Panthers Claim NFC South Lead with Crucial Victory
In local sports news, the Carolina Panthers secured a significant win on Sunday, December 21, 2025, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. This victory propels the Panthers into the lead for the NFC South division. A pivotal moment in the game included a game-sealing interception by rookie Lathan Ransom.
Community Mourns NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle
The Charlotte community is saddened by the tragic death of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who passed away in an airplane accident. Tributes have poured in, including from the Lake Norman Humane Society, which Biffle and his wife Cristina helped establish. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Charlotte Weather Outlook
As of Monday, December 22, 2025, Charlotte is experiencing mostly sunny conditions with a temperature of approximately 33°F (1°C). The forecast for the coming week indicates varying temperatures, with a notable warming trend anticipated as the city approaches the Christmas holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What major crime incidents occurred in Charlotte over the last 48 hours?
Over the last 48 hours, Charlotte police are investigating a double homicide involving two teenagers, a fatal train accident, a fatal hit-and-run, and two other fatal pedestrian crashes. A homicide investigation is also underway in the Steele Creek Division, and a woman has been arrested on child abuse charges following a child’s death.
Was there a fatal train accident in Charlotte recently?
Yes, a 48-year-old man, Daniel Kotrman, was killed on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, after being struck by a CSX train in southeast Charlotte.
What is the latest update on the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 on Sunday, December 21, 2025, taking the lead in the NFC South division.
Who is Greg Biffle and what happened to him?
Greg Biffle was a NASCAR driver. He tragically died in an airplane accident, and his death is being mourned by the Charlotte community, including the Lake Norman Humane Society which he helped establish. The NTSB is investigating the crash.
Are there any active missing person investigations in Charlotte?
Yes, CMPD is seeking public assistance to locate 69-year-old James Elbert Harris (reported December 21, 2025) and 84-year-old Sylvia Smith (reported December 20, 2025).
Key Features of Charlotte News
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope | Status/Date (Last 48 Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Homicide Investigation | CMPD investigating two teenagers found fatally shot, linked to the same incident. | Charlotte | Reported December 22, 2025 |
| Fatal Train Accident | Daniel Kotrman, 48, killed by CSX train in southeast Charlotte. | Charlotte | Saturday, December 20, 2025 |
| Fatal Hit-and-Run | Investigation of a fatal collision in the Eastway Division. | Charlotte | Saturday, December 20, 2025 |
| Child Death & Child Abuse Arrest | Susan Robinson, 61, arrested on child abuse charges after death of 6-year-old in east Charlotte. | Charlotte | Recent |
| Carolina Panthers Victory | Panthers beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20, taking NFC South lead. | Charlotte (Team is State-level for NC, Game Result is Nationwide interest but local impact) | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle’s Death | Community mourning the tragic death of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle in an airplane accident. | Nationwide (with strong local Charlotte ties) | Recent |
Now Happening on X
- @TBradleyNC (December 6, 2025, 10:56 AM) Recaps a violent day in Charlotte involving a light rail stabbing, another stabbing near Eastway Drive, shots fired at police prompting a large response, and a shooting with a critically injured victim, calling for National Guard intervention. View on X
- @BasedSavannah (November 12, 2025, 5:14 PM) Criticizes Charlotte’s rising crime rates under Democratic leadership, highlighting weekly reports of repeat offenders released after multiple arrests and urging safer conditions for residents. View on X
- @HeatherChilders (October 9, 2025, 12:18 PM) Reports a spike in violence in Charlotte this week with seven shootings including one homicide and one stabbing, noting the pattern follows the light rail murder of Iryna Zarutska by a repeat offender. View on X
- @MarioNawfal (November 20, 2025, 1:20 AM) Describes construction sites in Charlotte shutting down amid Trump’s ICE raids under “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” which have apprehended over 250 undocumented individuals, heightening community tensions. View on X
- @mattvanswol (October 28, 2025, 9:19 AM) Shares breaking news of another murder near Charlotte’s Light Rail, with the police union requesting National Guard deployment to address the ongoing safety crisis. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 21, 2025, 7:20 AM) Reports a Charlotte man killed at 3 a.m. after interrupting a crime, according to CMPD details on the incident. View on X
- @TheSunNews (December 22, 2025, 9:10 PM) Covers the shooting death of a Charlotte grandfather hours after he interrupted a crime, as stated by CMPD. View on X
- @newsobserver (December 22, 2025, 6:20 AM) Details a Charlotte grandfather’s shooting death following his interruption of a crime earlier that night, per CMPD investigation. View on X
- @theobserver (December 22, 2025, 10:00 PM) Reports a 911 call uncovering a body in a Charlotte residential neighborhood, with CMPD leading the investigation. View on X
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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