Uptown Charlotte, August 15, 2025
News Summary
A 39-year-old man, Matthew Terry King, faces serious charges following a machete attack in Uptown Charlotte. King allegedly returned to a bar with a machete and brass knuckles after a previous altercation, severely injuring one victim and causing another minor injuries. The incident has raised concerns over safety in nightlife venues as King awaits trial without bond.
Charlotte – A 39-year-old man, Matthew Terry King, faces several serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, following a machete attack that took place at an Uptown Charlotte bar early Saturday morning, August 9. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at a bar located at 300 S. Brevard St. King was apprehended shortly after the altercation, arousing public concern over safety at local establishments.
According to reports, King was initially removed from the bar after a verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. Around 30 minutes after his removal, he returned to the bar wielding an 18-inch machete and brass knuckles. Witnesses claim that King approached the victim, Kurt Lee Casey, from behind and taunted him by saying, “Remember me?” before launching his attack.
The attack began when King attempted to strike Casey in the head using the brass knuckles and subsequently swung the machete towards him. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Casey raised his left hand to block the blow, resulting in a severe laceration that required immediate surgical attention. The violence also left another individual, Jeffrey Vangordon, with a minor cut on his right thigh during the struggle to subdue King.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered King outside the bar, displaying blood-stained clothing. The machete and brass knuckles were found on a table nearby, further corroborating the events as described by eyewitnesses. Multiple witnesses provided statements to authorities, ensuring a comprehensive account of the chaotic scene.
King was arrested at approximately 2:15 a.m., shortly after the altercation. Authorities reported that he sustained minor injuries during the incident and was subsequently treated at a local hospital before being transported to jail. Currently, King is charged with felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon.
As of now, King is being held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail, awaiting his next court appearance. The incident has sparked discussions within the community regarding safety in nightlife settings, prompting bar owners and patrons alike to reevaluate security measures within their venues.
Background Context
Uptown Charlotte has seen a vibrant nightlife growing over the years, with bars and clubs attracting young adults and visitors. However, incidents of violence, particularly with weapons, raise significant concerns. This recent machete attack is not an isolated event and will likely ignite further discussions about policing, safety measures, and overall environment in local bars. Past incidents have led to heightened awareness of the importance of customer safety, and this latest occurrence may catalyze further action by local authorities and business owners in managing security protocols in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the machete attack in Uptown Charlotte?
Matthew Terry King attacked two individuals, Kurt Lee Casey and Jeffrey Vangordon, with an 18-inch machete and brass knuckles after being removed from the bar for a prior altercation.
What are the charges King is facing?
King is charged with felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon.
Where is King currently being held?
King is being held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail.
What injuries did the victims sustain?
Kurt Lee Casey sustained a severe laceration on his hand requiring surgery, while Jeffrey Vangordon incurred a minor cut on his thigh.
Why is this incident significant?
This attack highlights ongoing concerns about safety in nightlife settings and may prompt discussions regarding security measures within local bars.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Machete attack |
| Location | Uptown Charlotte, 300 S. Brevard St. |
| Suspect | Matthew Terry King, 39 |
| Victims | Kurt Lee Casey, Jeffrey Vangordon |
| Charges | Attempted murder, felony assault, misdemeanor assault |
| Weapon Used | 18-inch machete, brass knuckles |
| Current Status | Held without bond at Mecklenburg County Jail |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Machete
- WCNC
- Google Search: Machete attack Uptown Charlotte
- QC News
- Google Scholar: Charlotte machete attack
- WSOC TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Machete
- Charlotte Observer
- Google News: Machete attack Charlotte

Author: HERE Charlotte
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