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Suspect Arrested in Murder of North Carolina Mother

Police car at murder investigation scene

Charlotte, North Carolina, December 15, 2025

Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. has been arrested on charges of murder in connection with the death of Frezja Matisse Baker, a missing North Carolina mother found deceased in her vehicle. Baker was reported missing for over a week before her body was discovered in west Charlotte. Inman, who has a history of domestic violence, faces several charges, including assault and misdemeanor domestic violence.

Charlotte, North Carolina

A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Frezja Matisse Baker, a 31-year-old North Carolina mother who was found deceased after being reported missing for over a week. Authorities announced the arrest on Sunday, December 14, 2025, bringing a significant development to a case that has garnered considerable community attention. The individual identified as the suspect is 38-year-old Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr..

Mr. Inman faces charges of murder, assault on a female, and misdemeanor domestic violence. He was apprehended on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Maxton, North Carolina, a town located approximately 100 miles southeast of Charlotte. Following his arrest, Mr. Inman was taken into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Discovery of Ms. Baker’s Body

Ms. Baker was discovered unresponsive inside her vehicle, a gray-blue 2004 Honda Accord, on the morning of Thursday, December 11, 2025. Her body was found at approximately 9:35 a.m. on the property of an abandoned church located in the 2300 block of Sanders Avenue in west Charlotte. Police pronounced her dead at the scene. The vehicle’s description matched the one tied to Ms. Baker’s missing person report, which had been filed when she disappeared. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s homicide unit promptly initiated a death investigation, classifying the case as a murder.

Timeline of Disappearance

Frezja Matisse Baker was last seen on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at approximately 9:52 p.m. She had dropped off her 2-year-old son at his grandparents’ house in Charlotte. Later that evening, around 10:30 p.m., Ms. Baker contacted her brother, informing him that she was “about an hour away.” However, she never arrived home and was not heard from again, prompting deep concern from her family. Family members and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department appealed to the public for information regarding her whereabouts, expressing deep concern for her well-being.

Her vehicle, bearing a South Carolina temporary license plate, was also part of the missing person’s alert. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Ms. Baker leaving a Quick N E-Z Food mart on Sugar Creek Road around 10 p.m. on the night she disappeared.

Suspect’s Background and Relationship to Victim

Investigators have indicated that Ms. Baker and Mr. Inman were in a dating relationship at the time of her death.

Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. has a documented history of prior criminal offenses, including multiple felony arrests and incidents related to domestic violence. Court records reveal that in 2021, Mr. Inman was arrested for assaulting a woman. He received a two-year suspended sentence and was mandated to participate in a domestic violence intervention program as a result. More recently, in October 2025, he pleaded guilty to charges of habitual misdemeanor assault and intimidating a witness. This pattern of behavior has drawn scrutiny as authorities continue their investigation into Ms. Baker’s killing.

The investigation into the tragic death of Frezja Matisse Baker is ongoing. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Homicide Unit or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the latest development in the Frezja Matisse Baker case?

A suspect, Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr., has been arrested and charged with murder, assault on a female, and misdemeanor domestic violence in connection with the death of Frezja Matisse Baker.

Who is Frezja Matisse Baker?

Frezja Matisse Baker was a 31-year-old North Carolina mother who was reported missing and later found deceased in her vehicle in Charlotte.

When was Frezja Matisse Baker last seen?

Frezja Matisse Baker was last seen on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at approximately 9:52 p.m., after dropping off her 2-year-old son at his grandparents’ house in Charlotte.

When and where was Frezja Matisse Baker’s body found?

Ms. Baker was found unresponsive in her vehicle on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at approximately 9:35 a.m., on the property of an abandoned church in the 2300 block of Sanders Avenue in west Charlotte.

Who is the suspect arrested in connection with Frezja Matisse Baker’s death?

The suspect arrested is Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr., 38 years old.

What charges does Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. face?

Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. is charged with murder, assault on a female, and misdemeanor domestic violence.

When was Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. arrested and where?

Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. was arrested on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Maxton, North Carolina, approximately 100 miles southeast of Charlotte.

What is the relationship between Frezja Matisse Baker and Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr.?

Frezja Matisse Baker and Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. were in a dating relationship.

Does the suspect have a criminal history?

Yes, Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. has a documented history of prior criminal offenses, including multiple felony arrests and incidents related to domestic violence. He was arrested for assaulting a woman in 2021 and more recently pleaded guilty in October 2025 to habitual misdemeanor assault and intimidating a witness.

Key Features of the Case

Feature Detail Scope
Victim’s Name Frezja Matisse Baker State-level
Victim’s Age 31 years old State-level
Victim’s Status North Carolina mother State-level
Missing Date Thursday, December 4, 2025 State-level
Discovery Date Thursday, December 11, 2025 State-level
Discovery Location 2300 block of Sanders Avenue, west Charlotte State-level
Suspect’s Name Lorenza Thomas Inman Jr. State-level
Suspect’s Age 38 years old State-level
Charges Against Suspect Murder, Assault on a Female, Misdemeanor Domestic Violence State-level
Arrest Date Friday, December 12, 2025 State-level
Arrest Location Maxton, North Carolina State-level
Relationship to Victim Dating relationship State-level
Suspect’s Court Appearance Monday, December 15, 2025 State-level

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  • @LRarey (December 13, 2025, 1:40 AM) Discusses a repeat violent offender’s role in the death of a young Charlotte mother, criticizing city leaders’ response to rising crime. View on X
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HERE Charlotte
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.

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