Charlotte, August 5, 2025
News Summary
A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in south Charlotte, where 39-year-old Stephen Carroll II was killed. The suspect, 29-year-old Steven Downing Jr., faces charges of murder and robbery following the incident that occurred near South Boulevard. The police investigation revealed a prior argument between the suspect and victim, raising concerns about escalating violence in the community. Authorities are actively pursuing the case to understand the motivations behind the shooting.
Charlotte
An arrest has been made in connection with a shooting in south Charlotte that left one man dead late Saturday night. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Stephen Carroll II, succumbed to his injuries after being shot shortly before midnight on August 2, 2025.
The incident occurred along South Boulevard near Archdale Road, and police initially responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, they found Carroll suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a local hospital by paramedics but unfortunately died shortly after reaching the facility.
In connection with the shooting, 29-year-old Steven Downing Jr. has been arrested and now faces charges of murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Police identified Downing as a potential suspect during their investigation, which included examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
After securing arrest warrants, detectives took Downing to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. Following the interview, he was placed in jail without bond. Court documents reveal that Downing is accused of stealing Carroll’s phone in the aftermath of the shooting. The victim’s girlfriend had tracked the phone’s location, which provided police with insights into Downing’s possible whereabouts following the incident.
The investigation has also uncovered that Carroll and Downing had been living together in the same hotel. A troubling detail came to light when Carroll’s girlfriend reported hearing an argument between the two prior to the shooting during a phone call. After the argument, she managed to reach out to Carroll no further, causing concern for his safety.
Police located Downing shortly thereafter. He was wearing the same clothing that surveillance footage captured just before the incident, further implicating him in the case. The victim’s next of kin have been notified about the tragic event and Downing’s arrest.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motives and circumstances leading to the shooting, and it remains unclear what provoked the confrontation between Carroll and Downing.
Background Context
Gun violence and its unpredictable nature continue to trouble communities across the country, including Charlotte. The details surrounding this shooting highlight a troubling trend of disputes escalating into severe violent outcomes. The local law enforcement community remains vigilant in their efforts to investigate such incidents thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
FAQ
Who was the victim?
The victim was Stephen Carroll II, a 39-year-old man who suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
What led to the arrest of Steven Downing Jr.?
Downing was identified as the suspect during the investigation, leading to charges of murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Key evidence against him included the theft of Carroll’s phone.
What were the circumstances of the shooting?
The shooting occurred following an argument between Carroll and Downing, as reported by Carroll’s girlfriend during a phone call she made to him before the incident.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred on South Boulevard near Archdale Road in south Charlotte.
Is the police investigation ongoing?
Yes, the police investigation is still ongoing as they seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motives involved.
Chart of Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Stephen Carroll II, 39 years old |
| Suspect | Steven Downing Jr., 29 years old |
| Charges | Murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon |
| Location of Incident | South Boulevard near Archdale Road, Charlotte |
| Date of Incident | August 2, 2025 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Arrest Made in South Charlotte Shooting
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WSOCTV: Man Arrested in Deadly Shooting
- Google Search: South Charlotte Shootings
- QC News: Man Charged for Murder in Charlotte
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Trends
- WCNC: Deadly June Shooting Suspects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WCCB Charlotte: CMPD Investigating Homicide
- Google News: Charlotte Homicide Investigations
Author: HERE Charlotte
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