Homicide Investigation Launched in Southeast Charlotte

Charlotte, December 15, 2025

Authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, are investigating a homicide that occurred early Monday morning. A person was found with fatal gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a daycare center. This incident is part of a broader discussion around public safety, coinciding with criticism of a new transit marketing campaign amidst rising concerns over light rail safety incidents. Additionally, city and county leaders are working on initiatives to tackle homelessness and improve local healthcare policies.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Authorities are actively investigating a homicide that occurred early Monday morning in southeast Charlotte, marking a significant development in local crime. In a separate but equally pressing matter, city officials are facing scrutiny over a multi-million dollar transit marketing campaign, with critics arguing that public safety on the light rail should be a higher priority following recent incidents. These developments come amidst a backdrop of other important local and state-level news, including initiatives to combat homelessness, a serious traffic accident, and statewide policy changes affecting healthcare and education.

Charlotte Homicide Under Investigation

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) detectives have launched a homicide investigation after a person was found with fatal gunshot wounds early Monday morning in southeast Charlotte. Officers responded to a call for service around 3:03 a.m. on December 15 in the 2300 block of North Sharon Amity Road. Upon arrival, police discovered an individual who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. The investigation is reportedly centered in the parking lot of a 24-hour daycare center, where bullet holes were observed in the front windshield of a car. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity or information regarding a suspect. The investigation is active and ongoing, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.

Transit Safety Concerns Prompt Criticism of Marketing Campaign

The City of Charlotte is currently facing backlash regarding the approval of a $3.4 million transit marketing campaign, especially in light of recent safety concerns on its light rail system. Critics contend that the allocation of these funds for promotional activities is questionable, given two recent stabbing incidents on Blue Line trains. One incident occurred on August 22, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old commuter. Another stabbing took place on December 5, where a passenger was injured during an argument on the light rail. Opponents argue that resources would be better utilized to enhance public safety measures and address the root causes of crime on public transportation rather than focusing on public relations.

Recent Traffic Accident and Local Initiatives

In other local news, five individuals were seriously injured in a vehicle crash early Sunday morning, December 14, in southeast Charlotte. Two of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries when a vehicle struck a tree at the intersection of Wendover Road and Marvin Road. Emergency responders dispatched multiple ambulances and fire trucks to the scene.

Meanwhile, Charlotte city and county leaders are advancing separate but coordinated efforts to address homelessness and long-standing issues along Catherine Simmons Avenue in northwest Charlotte. The city has acquired three properties in the corridor as part of an initial push to establish affordable housing in the neighborhood. Concurrently, the county has committed $1 million to expand outreach services, provide transportation to shelters, and increase overall shelter capacity.

An arctic cold front has brought bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills to the Charlotte region. A cold weather advisory was issued for Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union counties, effective from Sunday evening, December 14, through Monday morning, December 15. Forecasts indicated wind chills could drop to between 6 and 10 degrees, with gusts reaching 20 to 30 miles per hour. Residents were advised to take precautions against hypothermia and wear appropriate clothing when outdoors.

In response to a deadly mass shooting that occurred at a Chanukah celebration in Australia, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced an increased police presence in the Symphony Park area on Sunday afternoon, December 14, during a local Chanukah event. This measure was implemented to ensure public safety and provide reassurance to the community.

State-Level Developments Across North Carolina

Across North Carolina, significant policy and economic news has also emerged. State Treasurer Brad Briner has outlined plans to address a potential billion-dollar deficit in the North Carolina State Health Plan. Part of the strategy involves raising premiums for approximately 750,000 state employees, retirees, and their families, starting next month. Briner stated that these premium increases, along with other adjustments, have successfully closed the projected deficit for 2026. However, actuaries from Segal Consulting presented data indicating a deterioration in participants’ health since 2019, suggesting that costs will continue to rise unless health trends improve.

A recent report by the Reason Foundation highlighted a concerning trend in North Carolina’s education sector, revealing that the state experienced the largest drop in teacher salaries nationwide between 2020 and 2022, with a decrease of 9.6%. This decline is part of a longer-term trend, showing a 20.6% drop in teacher salaries from 2002 to 2022. The report attributes the recent decrease primarily to inflation and also noted a near doubling of per-student spending on K-12 employee benefits in North Carolina from 2002 to 2023.

Legal aid organizations across North Carolina are grappling with significant challenges after the state legislature froze millions of dollars in grant funding earlier this year. This decision has forced some organizations to close offices, particularly in rural areas, and reduce client intake, impacting thousands of residents who rely on free legal services. The funds in question, known as Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA), are not taxpayer dollars but interest earned on pooled client funds, typically used for charitable purposes, predominantly supporting civil legal aid.

In a statewide sting operation, the North Carolina Department of Insurance and North Carolina Farm Bureau announced recent insurance fraud charges. Robert Allen Bentley, a 36-year-old Charlotte resident and senior project manager with A&M Premier Roofing and Construction, was charged on December 10 with insurance fraud. Investigators alleged that Bentley and a co-worker intentionally damaged roof shingles at a “bait house” in Wake County, subsequently attempting to file a $30,000 insurance claim for wind and hail damage. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey emphasized the seriousness of roofing scams, which contribute to higher premiums for homeowners.

A Durham Academy alumna was among those injured in a mass shooting that occurred at Brown University on Saturday, December 13. Kendall Turner, a recent graduate of the Durham private school, was reported to be in critical but stable condition and receiving hospital care. Seven other Durham Academy alumni enrolled at Brown University were confirmed to be safe and uninjured. The mass shooting resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others, with a person of interest in custody.

On the sports front, the Charlotte Women’s Basketball team secured a 71-61 victory over Davidson in the Battle for the 704 Cup on Sunday night, December 14, at Halton Arena. This win ended a three-game losing streak for the team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in southeast Charlotte on Monday morning?

Authorities are investigating a homicide after a person was found with fatal gunshot wounds early Monday morning, December 15, in the 2300 block of North Sharon Amity Road.

Why is Charlotte’s transit marketing campaign being criticized?

The City of Charlotte is facing criticism for approving a $3.4 million transit marketing campaign, with critics arguing that public safety on the light rail should be a higher priority following two recent stabbing incidents.

What are the new changes to the North Carolina State Health Plan?

State Treasurer Brad Briner has announced that premiums will be raised for approximately 750,000 state employees, retirees, and their families, effective next month, to address a potential billion-dollar deficit in the North Carolina State Health Plan.

What has been reported about teacher salaries in North Carolina?

A recent report by the Reason Foundation indicates that North Carolina experienced the largest drop in teacher salaries nationwide between 2020 and 2022, with a 9.6% decrease.

What is being done about homelessness in Charlotte?

Charlotte city and county leaders are implementing separate initiatives to address homelessness along Catherine Simmons Avenue, including the city purchasing properties for affordable housing and the county expanding outreach services and shelter capacity.

Was there a recent serious traffic accident in Charlotte?

Yes, five individuals were seriously injured, two critically, in a vehicle crash early Sunday morning, December 14, in southeast Charlotte when a vehicle struck a tree.

What is the situation with legal aid funding in North Carolina?

Legal aid organizations in North Carolina are experiencing significant challenges due to the state legislature freezing millions of dollars in grant funding, leading to office closures and reduced client intake.

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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