Charlotte, North Carolina, December 21, 2025
A 44-year-old man, Albert Lowery, was fatally shot in Charlotte after confronting alleged thieves attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle outside a daycare. The incident occurred early in the morning, resulting in his death shortly thereafter. Two suspects have since been arrested and charged in connection with the crime, raising concerns in the local community about safety and crime in the area. Authorities reassure residents that this was an isolated incident.
Charlotte Man Killed After Confronting Alleged Thieves Outside Daycare
Charlotte, North Carolina – A Charlotte man was tragically shot and killed in the early hours of Monday, December 15, 2025, outside a 24-hour child care facility in southeast Charlotte after he confronted individuals allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. Police have since apprehended two suspects in connection with the fatal incident.
The victim, identified as 44-year-old Albert Lowery, was found by his wife in the driver’s seat of his vehicle after she heard gunshots and went to check on him. Lowery was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of Tender Hearts Child Care on North Sharon Amity Road.
Investigation and Arrests
Authorities with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) quickly launched an investigation into the homicide. Detectives determined that the shooting was connected to an earlier confrontation where Lowery interrupted a theft in progress. It is believed Lowery was targeted for his actions in attempting to stop the suspected theft of a catalytic converter.
Surveillance footage from the scene played a crucial role in the investigation, showing Lowery, who was armed, confronting a man under an SUV in the parking lot. Following this initial encounter, the individual fled in a black Honda Civic. Investigators successfully linked this vehicle to two suspects.
On December 19, CMPD announced charges against two men: Rethanachantra Em, 33, and Borein Ngiem, 32. Em faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Ngiem has been charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle, accessory after the fact to murder, and conspiracy to commit felony larceny.
The tragic incident unfolded more than two hours after Lowery’s initial confrontation with the alleged thief. While the details of how the situation escalated to a fatal shooting later in the night have not been fully released, the arrests mark a significant development in the case.
Community Impact and Police Assurance
The shooting, which took place around 3 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, near the child care center, has caused unease among local residents. Neighbors reported being awakened by the sound of gunfire, expressing concerns about the violence in what they considered a quiet neighborhood.
Despite the community’s apprehension, CMPD has stated that the shooting was an isolated incident and that no bullets struck the daycare facility itself. Police have reassured the public that there is no ongoing concern for their safety related to this event. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together all aspects of the incident.
Catalytic converter thefts have been a growing concern across various regions, with the valuable metals inside making them a target for thieves. This incident underscores the serious risks associated with confronting individuals engaged in such criminal activities. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Charlotte, North Carolina?
A Charlotte man, Albert Lowery, was shot and killed outside a 24-hour child care facility on Monday, December 15, 2025, after confronting alleged thieves attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle.
Who was the victim?
The victim was 44-year-old Albert Lowery.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in the parking lot of Tender Hearts Child Care on North Sharon Amity Road in southeast Charlotte.
Why was Albert Lowery shot?
Albert Lowery was killed after confronting an alleged thief who was attempting to steal a catalytic converter from an SUV. Investigators believe he was targeted for intervening in the theft.
Who are the suspects arrested in connection with the shooting?
The suspects arrested are Rethanachantra Em, 33, and Borein Ngiem, 32.
What charges do the suspects face?
Rethanachantra Em is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Borein Ngiem is charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle, accessory after the fact to murder, and conspiracy to commit felony larceny.
Is the public at risk?
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has stated that the shooting was an isolated incident and that no bullets struck the daycare facility, reassuring the public that there is no ongoing concern for their safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Parking lot of Tender Hearts Child Care on North Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. |
| Date of Incident | Monday, December 15, 2025, around 3 a.m. |
| Victim | Albert Lowery, 44 years old. |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds. |
| Circumstance | Killed after confronting alleged thieves attempting to steal a catalytic converter. |
| Suspects Arrested | Rethanachantra Em, 33, and Borein Ngiem, 32. |
| Key Charges (Em) | First-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempted theft of motor vehicle. |
| Key Charges (Ngiem) | Attempted theft of motor vehicle, accessory after the fact to murder, conspiracy to commit felony larceny. |
| Police Assurance | Isolated incident, no concern to the public as no bullets hit the daycare. |
Now Happening on X
- @wsoctv (December 19, 2025, 5:30 PM) Victim caught two people trying to steal catalytic converter before deadly shooting in SE Charlotte. View on X
- @QC_TLK_News (December 20, 2025, 6:26 AM) Two men arrested in the fatal shooting of Alvert Lowery outside a 24-hour daycare in southeast Charlotte after he confronted suspects during an alleged catalytic converter theft. View on X
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- @wsoctv (December 15, 2025, 6:45 AM) 4 arrested, firearms seized after suspicious activity in north Charlotte. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 15, 2025, 1:00 AM) Four charged after police recovered stolen firearms in northwest Charlotte: CMPD. View on X
- @n2oneness (December 20, 2025, 8:02 AM) Investigators say victim caught two people trying to steal a catalytic converter before he was shot in southeast Charlotte. View on X
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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