Charlotte, North Carolina, February 20, 2026
A delivery driver, Keshawn Boyd, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Matthias Crockett in Uptown Charlotte. The court accepted a plea agreement that reduced the charge from first-degree murder, resulting in a prison sentence. The shooting incident occurred while Boyd was working as a food delivery driver, and family members of the victim expressed their grief and outrage during the hearings.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A 28-year-old delivery driver, Keshawn Boyd, pleaded guilty on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Matthias Crockett in Uptown Charlotte. The plea agreement, which reduced an initial first-degree murder charge, resulted in a prison sentence for Boyd.
Legal Proceedings Conclude with Prison Sentence
Boyd’s plea was accepted by the court, leading to a sentence of 48 to 70 months in prison, which translates to a term of approximately four to nearly six years. He received credit for the 393 days he had already served in custody since his arrest. Court records indicate that Boyd had no prior criminal history before this incident. During the emotional courtroom hearing, Crockett’s family members reacted strongly, with some noting that Boyd appeared to smile as he entered.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The shooting occurred on January 22, 2025, around 6:45 p.m. on West Eighth Street near North Graham Street in Uptown Charlotte. Investigators with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department stated that Boyd was working as a food delivery driver at the time. Boyd informed police that after completing a delivery at an apartment building, he returned to his car and observed two individuals near it, with one person inside the vehicle and another acting as a lookout. His attorney stated that Boyd was legally carrying a firearm for protection while working late nights. Official reports and court documents indicated that Matthias Crockett was shot multiple times and was not armed during the incident.
Remembering Matthias Crockett
Matthias Crockett, a freshman at West Charlotte High School, was a member of the wrestling team. Family members described him as a cancer survivor, a quiet teen, and a loving big brother. However, they also acknowledged that he had recently become involved with a problematic group of peers. During the sentencing, Crockett’s loved ones addressed the court, emphasizing that any mistake the teenager might have made did not justify his death. One family member asserted that Boyd was not in imminent danger that would warrant shooting a 15-year-old child multiple times, especially when the teen did not have a weapon. Crockett’s mother delivered a poignant statement, calling her son her “joy” and her “future,” and lamenting the loss of future birthdays and milestones. She also voiced criticism regarding Boyd’s demeanor in court. Boyd’s attorney conveyed his client’s condolences to the family, stating that Boyd was devastated by the events and cooperated with the police, accepting responsibility through his guilty plea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main news event that occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026?
Keshawn Boyd, a delivery driver, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of 15-year-old Matthias Crockett in Uptown Charlotte.
Who is Keshawn Boyd?
Keshawn Boyd is a 28-year-old delivery driver who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
Who was Matthias Crockett?
Matthias Crockett was a 15-year-old who was fatally shot in Uptown Charlotte. He was a freshman at West Charlotte High School, a member of the wrestling team, and a cancer survivor.
When and where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred on January 22, 2025, around 6:45 p.m. on West Eighth Street near North Graham Street in Uptown Charlotte.
What was Keshawn Boyd’s initial charge?
Keshawn Boyd was initially charged with first-degree murder.
What was the outcome of the plea agreement?
Keshawn Boyd pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a prison sentence of 48 to 70 months, with credit for 393 days already served.
Was Matthias Crockett armed at the time of the shooting?
No, Matthias Crockett was not armed during the incident.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| City | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Defendant | Keshawn Boyd, 28, Delivery Driver |
| Victim | Matthias Crockett, 15 |
| Plea Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Shooting Date | January 22, 2025 |
| Shooting Location | West Eighth Street near North Graham Street, Uptown Charlotte |
| Initial Charge | First-degree murder |
| Plea Agreement | Voluntary manslaughter |
| Sentence (Prison) | 48 to 70 months |
| Credit for Time Served | 393 days |
| Victim Armed? | No |
| Boyd’s Criminal History | None prior to this incident |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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