Charlotte, NC, December 18, 2025
Charlotte has witnessed a spike in serious incidents, including a pedestrian fatality and multiple death investigations. In addition, North Carolina has reported its first child flu death of the season, prompting health officials to urge vaccinations. As law enforcement investigates several cases, community concerns are heightened regarding public safety and health amid ongoing tragedies and legal developments.
Charlotte Sees Surge in Recent Incidents as State Announces First Child Flu Death
Charlotte, NC – The past week has seen a series of significant events across Charlotte and North Carolina, including multiple fatal incidents and serious crashes, alongside the somber announcement of the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season. Authorities in Charlotte have been actively investigating several death cases and vehicular accidents, while a high-profile murder case continues to unfold in federal court.
Local Charlotte Incidents
In Charlotte, law enforcement officials have responded to a fatal pedestrian collision, multiple death investigations, and a severe highway crash, all occurring within the last few days.
On Monday, December 15, 2025, a pedestrian, Meta Howze King, 65, was fatally struck in the 1200 block of Clanton Road. The driver of the vehicle, Floyd Tyrone Bankhead, 54, was subsequently charged on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with misdemeanor death by vehicle. The investigation revealed that Mr. Bankhead did not yield to Ms. King during the incident. Authorities confirmed that Mr. Bankhead was screened for impairment and was not found to be impaired. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s investigation into this case remains active and ongoing.
Additionally, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit is conducting several other death investigations. On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, detectives initiated a death investigation in the 7600 block of Gwynne Hill Road in the Hickory Grove Division. This was followed by another death investigation beginning on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the 9100 block of Trinity Road in the North Division. Furthermore, a homicide investigation commenced on Monday, December 15, 2025, in the 2300 block of North Sharon Amity Road in the Providence Division, where a victim was shot and killed around 3:03 a.m.. The individual was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to their injuries.
Earlier this week, a serious crash occurred on Interstate 485 in east Charlotte on Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:52 a.m. near mile marker 38.2. The collision involved an oversized commercial truck that had experienced a tire failure and a Nissan SUV. The driver of the Nissan SUV sustained serious injuries and required extrication by Charlotte Fire Department crews. They were then transported to Atrium Health Main for emergency medical treatment. The incident led to the closure of two right exit lanes on I-485 for an extended period, and the investigation into the contributing factors is ongoing.
North Carolina Reports First Child Flu Fatality
In a statewide announcement, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed the state’s first pediatric flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The tragic death of a child occurred in the western region of North Carolina, though specific details have been withheld to protect the family’s privacy.
State Epidemiologist Zack Moore highlighted the severe nature of influenza infections and urged the public to get vaccinated. This season, ten adult flu-associated deaths have also been reported across North Carolina. Nationally, the 2024-2025 flu season saw 280 pediatric flu deaths, marking the highest number since the 2009-2010 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Approximately half of these children had no known underlying medical conditions, and 89% were not fully vaccinated. With holiday travel and gatherings commencing, flu activity is currently surging. The NCDHHS strongly recommends flu vaccination for everyone, particularly children under five years old and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Latest Developments in Iryna Zarutska Murder Case
In a continuing legal development related to public safety in Charlotte, the man accused in the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska appeared in federal court last week. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following his indictment by a federal grand jury in October. Brown faces charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, and he could potentially face the death penalty. His legal team is currently seeking a hearing to determine his mental competency to stand trial.
The murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska occurred on August 22, 2025, at the East/West Boulevard station on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte. Zarutska, who had fled Ukraine, was stabbed from behind while on the train. Decarlos Brown Jr., who has a history of 14 prior arrests in Mecklenburg County and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, was arrested at the scene. His mother had reportedly sought an involuntary psychiatric commitment for him earlier in the year after he exhibited violent behavior at home. This high-profile case has garnered international attention and prompted discussions regarding transit security, criminal justice, and mental health systems. The incident also led to the passage of “Iryna’s Law” (House Bill 307) in North Carolina, which includes criminal law reforms and provisions for resuming capital punishment in the state.
Greensboro Traffic Incident
In Greensboro, a traffic incident on Friday, December 5, 2025, resulted in injuries and led to the temporary closure of a section of West Friendly Avenue at Jefferson Road. Police reported minor injuries in the crash. Authorities advised motorists to avoid the area while crews worked to clear the scene. All lanes of West Friendly Avenue were reopened later that evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the most recent incidents in Charlotte?
Charlotte has experienced several significant incidents recently, including a fatal pedestrian crash on December 15, 2025, in the 1200 block of Clanton Road, where 65-year-old Meta Howze King died. The driver, Floyd Tyrone Bankhead, was charged on December 16, 2025. There have also been multiple death investigations initiated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on December 16 and December 17, 2025, in the Hickory Grove and North Divisions respectively, and a homicide on North Sharon Amity Road on December 15, 2025. A serious crash on Interstate 485 on December 15, 2025, also resulted in serious injuries.
What is the latest update on the Iryna Zarutska murder case?
The man accused in the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, Decarlos Brown Jr., appeared in federal court on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was indicted by a federal grand jury and faces charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death, with the potential for the death penalty. His attorneys are seeking a hearing to determine his mental competency.
Has North Carolina reported any flu deaths recently?
Yes, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced the state’s first pediatric flu-related death of the 2025-2026 flu season on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. This death occurred in the western region of the state.
What traffic incident occurred in Greensboro recently?
On Friday, December 5, 2025, a crash with minor injuries occurred on West Friendly Avenue at Jefferson Road in Greensboro, leading to the temporary closure of the road. All lanes were reopened later the same evening.
What is “Iryna’s Law”?
“Iryna’s Law,” also known as House Bill 307, was passed in North Carolina following the murder of Iryna Zarutska. This law introduces various criminal law reforms, including provisions related to the resumption of capital punishment in the state.
Key Incident Overview
| Incident Type | Location | Date | Key Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Pedestrian Crash | Charlotte (Clanton Road) | December 15, 2025 | 65-year-old Meta Howze King deceased; driver charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. | Local |
| Homicide Investigation | Charlotte (Hickory Grove Division) | December 16, 2025 | Ongoing death investigation by CMPD Homicide Unit. | Local |
| Homicide Investigation | Charlotte (North Division) | December 17, 2025 | Ongoing death investigation by CMPD Homicide Unit. | Local |
| Homicide Investigation | Charlotte (North Sharon Amity Road) | December 15, 2025 | Victim shot and killed; ongoing investigation. | Local |
| Serious Vehicle Crash | Charlotte (I-485 E near mile marker 38.2) | December 15, 2025 | Involved commercial truck and SUV; SUV driver seriously injured, lanes closed. | Local |
| First Pediatric Flu Death (2025-2026 Season) | Western North Carolina | Announced December 17, 2025 | Child died from flu complications; NCDHHS urges vaccination; 10 adult flu deaths this season. | State-level |
| Federal Court Appearance (Murder Case) | Charlotte (Decarlos Brown Jr. case) | December 11, 2025 | Suspect in Iryna Zarutska murder faces federal charges, potential death penalty; mental competency hearing sought. | Local |
| Traffic Incident with Injuries | Greensboro (West Friendly Avenue at Jefferson Road) | December 5, 2025 | Minor injuries reported; road temporarily closed. | Local |
Now Happening on X
- @theobserver (December 18, 2025, 7:10 AM) A 911 call in a Charlotte residential neighborhood led to the discovery of a body, with CMPD investigating the circumstances. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 15, 2025, 6:50 AM) Charlotte’s latest homicide is reportedly linked to the parking lot of a daycare, according to police reports and investigations. View on X
- @WBTV_News (December 12, 2025, 11:35 PM) Posts found on X discuss a teen arrested 111 times in Charlotte since August 2023, linked to numerous stolen vehicles and break-ins, raising concerns about juvenile justice and repeat offenders. View on X
- @theobserver (December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM) One man is linked to a violent crime spree in Charlotte that included murder and arson, as stated by NC police in ongoing investigations. View on X
- @mrhyne68 (December 16, 2025, 9:57 PM) Users on X express frustration over Charlotte’s high crime rates, attributing issues to liberal city leadership and inadequate resources for public safety. View on X
- @primeviewnews (December 15, 2025, 6:14 AM) Charlotte officials are prioritizing a $3.4 million transit marketing campaign over enhanced safety measures following recent stabbings, according to the GOP Chair’s criticism. View on X
- @JenniferJo74351 (December 13, 2025, 10:01 AM) Early morning reports on X highlight two bodies found in Charlotte by 9 AM, underscoring concerns about rising assault and domestic violence in the city. View on X
- @LRarey (December 13, 2025, 8:40 PM) A repeat violent offender is accused of taking the life of a young mother in Charlotte, with criticism directed at city officials for spending on PR instead of addressing the crime problem. View on X
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
