Charlotte, NC, October 3, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident on the evening of October 1, 2023, at a Charlotte shopping center led to the death of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez. Found with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking deck near the Target, he succumbed to his injuries despite first aid efforts by an off-duty police officer. In response, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have provided grief counseling to the community. Investigations are ongoing, with no suspects identified and a call for public assistance in the case.
Charlotte — A tragic shooting incident occurred on the evening of October 1, 2023, at a busy shopping center in Charlotte, North Carolina, claiming the life of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez. The sophomore at Rocky River High School was shot multiple times shortly before 8 p.m. in the parking deck near the Target located on Metropolitan Avenue.
An off-duty police officer, who responded to the emergency after hearing the radio call, encountered Martinez with critical injuries and provided first aid until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Martinez was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly thereafter.
In the aftermath of this incident, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Martinez. The district has made grief counseling available for students and staff affected by the tragedy. Principal Legrand addressed concerned families, expressing heartbreak and emphasizing the importance of community support during this challenging time.
As of now, authorities are still investigating the shooting, and there is no information regarding any arrests or suspects involved. The motive behind this shooting has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether it was a random act of violence. Eyewitnesses described their shock, noting that the shopping center is generally regarded as a safe area.
According to one report, Martinez was allegedly meeting someone to purchase a gun at the time he was shot. Meanwhile, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is actively seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation. They are urging anyone with details to contact homicide detectives at 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
This incident has raised concerns among local businesses about safety and security, particularly during nighttime hours. The shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence in communities nationwide.
Background Context
The shooting of Alexander Martinez has captured the attention of the community and highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces. As gun violence persists as a national issue, this event has prompted discussions about preventive measures, particularly in areas that families frequent for shopping and recreation.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has a history of addressing student safety, emphasizing the availability of support in times of grief. As investigations continue, community efforts may emerge aimed at fostering a safer environment for all residents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 1, 2023 |
| Victim | Alexander Cruz Martinez, 16 years old |
| Location | Parking deck near Target on Metropolitan Avenue, Charlotte, NC |
| Response | Off-duty officer provided first aid; Martinez died later at the hospital |
| School Response | Grief counseling offered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools |
| Ongoing Investigation | No arrests or suspects have been disclosed |
FAQ Section
What happened in Charlotte on October 1, 2023?
A shooting occurred outside a busy shopping center, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez.
What victim was impacted by the shooting?
The victim was identified as 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez, a 10th grader at Rocky River High School.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting took place just before 8 p.m. in the parking deck near the Target on Metropolitan Avenue.
What was the response to the shooting?
An off-duty police officer found Martinez with multiple gunshot wounds and provided first aid until paramedics arrived, but he later died at the hospital.
How has the school community responded?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools expressed grief over Martinez’s death and mentioned available grief counseling for students and staff.
Were there any arrests made regarding the shooting?
Authorities have not provided information regarding any arrests or suspects related to the shooting.
Is there any known motive for the shooting?
The motive behind the shooting has not been revealed, and it is not confirmed if it was a random act of violence.
Who is leading the investigation?
CMPD is actively investigating the case and encourages anyone with information to contact homicide detectives or Crime Stoppers.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Teenager Killed in Busy Shopping Center
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WSOC TV: Medic Seriously Hurt in South Charlotte Shooting
- Google Search: Gun violence prevention
- WCNC: Northwest Charlotte Shooting Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- WBTV: Business Owners Want More Security After Shooting
- Google News: Charlotte shooting
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.
