News Summary
A deadly shooting at the Archdale Mini Mart in south Charlotte on May 5 left one person dead and two others injured. The suspect, Terrence Christopher Richardson Jr., was arrested the next day and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and violent crime in the community, prompting discussions on preventative measures and support systems.
Charlotte
A deadly shooting at a mini mart in south Charlotte on May 5 left one person dead and two others injured, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) arrested a suspect, identified as 37-year-old Terrence Christopher Richardson Jr., the following day.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the Archdale Mini Mart and Laundry, located at 340 Archdale Drive. Police responding to the scene found one victim, Mykel Raymone Washington, 26, deceased from gunshot wounds. Two other men, aged 24 and 26, sustained injuries in the shooting. Additionally, a 73-year-old man present at the scene suffered minor injuries but was not shot and received treatment on-site.
Richardson has been charged with first-degree murder for Washington’s death as well as two counts of attempted murder concerning the other injured victims. He was apprehended by the CMPD’s violent criminal apprehension team along with SWAT units.
Surveillance footage from the mini mart captured critical moments leading up to and during the shooting. The video shows Richardson approaching the victims and firing multiple shots, including chasing one of the individuals into the store while continuing to shoot. After the incident, Richardson was seen returning to a nearby hotel, the AmeriVu Inn & Suites, where he had been residing since October 2024. He was observed wearing blue jeans, a green t-shirt, a grey sweatshirt, and a blue COVID-style mask, while carrying a Bojangles box.
After his arrest, Richardson was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail and denied bond, with his initial court appearance taking place on Wednesday morning. He was appointed a public defender and is scheduled to return for further proceedings on May 28, 2025.
Details of the Incident
Law enforcement officials responded to an emergency call regarding the shooting at the mini mart shortly after 4 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Washington already deceased. Emergency medical personnel treated the two injured men, although their identities have not been disclosed by the police.
The rapid response from the CMPD’s violent criminal apprehension team and SWAT resulted in Richardson’s arrest a day after the shooting, highlighting the department’s commitment to addressing violent crime in the area.
Background Information
This tragic event raises concerns about public safety in the Charlotte community, particularly regarding violent crime occurrences. Washington’s death adds to the ongoing dialogue about gun violence in urban settings, sparking discussions within the community and among law enforcement about preventive measures and support systems.
As the case progresses, the investigation continues, and authorities are expected to gather additional evidence and information regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the relationships between those involved.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of violent crime and the impact it has on victims and their families, as well as the broader community. As more details emerge, it is anticipated that local officials will work diligently to ensure justice is served and further incidents are prevented.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Search: Charlotte shooting May 2025
- QC News
- Google Scholar: violent crime in Charlotte
- WCNC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WSOC TV
- Google News: Charlotte crime news
