Charlotte NC, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Two teenagers have been arrested in Charlotte related to the murder of 16-year-old Tyshaun Stokes, who was shot at a local intersection. A 16-year-old faces adult charges including first-degree murder, while a 14-year-old is held under secured custody. Advocates stress the growing problem of youth violence in the area, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support programs targeted at at-risk youth and their families.
Charlotte – Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Tyshaun Stokes, who was shot early in the morning on August 17 while at the intersection of Lambeth Drive and Hillsboro Avenue. At approximately 3:30 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to reports of gunfire and found Stokes suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
On August 28, police apprehended two juvenile suspects: a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old. The 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property, while the 14-year-old is being held under a secured custody order for first-degree murder. Due to their ages, the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed.
Stokes’ mother revealed that her son was sitting on the porch when the gunfire broke out, a devastating moment that has left his family and the community in mourning. Christi Ross, Stokes’ cousin, described his loss as the end of a vibrant young life, amplifying the grief felt by many.
Advocates for the community have highlighted the growing issue of youth violence in Charlotte and stressed the urgent need for intervention efforts. Lisa Crawford, the executive director of Mothers of Murdered Offspring (M.O.M.O.), has pointed out that both boys and girls are disproportionately affected by violence. She indicated that generational trauma is a significant factor influencing youth involvement in violent crime and called for more resources to assist parents managing at-risk children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified gun violence as the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States, with approximately 1,400 children dying from gun-related incidents last year. In North Carolina, statistics reveal a notable increase in the rate of youth killed by firearms, which rose from 1.6 per 100,000 in 2012 to 5.3 per 100,000 in 2021. Furthermore, the number of minors killed by guns more than doubled, reaching 121, in the period between 2019 and 2021.
In just the first half of 2022, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that 482 children under 18 were victims of gun violence. The district attorney and sheriff attribute this alarming trend to environmental factors and easier access to firearms. In response, programs like the school system’s Violence Intervention Program (VIP) have been initiated to address aggressive behaviors among students.
Community and law enforcement leaders are actively encouraged to cooperate in combating the epidemic of teen gun violence. In this respect, Charlotte Crime Stoppers has urged anyone with information regarding the Stokes case to come forward, offering anonymous contact options for those wishing to report.
FAQ
- Who is Tyshaun Stokes?
- Tyshaun Stokes was a 16-year-old who was shot and killed on August 17 in North Charlotte.
- What charges have been brought against the suspects?
- A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property, while a 14-year-old is held under a secured custody order for first-degree murder.
- What community issues are highlighted in this case?
- The case reflects the broader issues of youth violence and gun-related incidents in Charlotte, emphasizing the need for intervention and support for at-risk youth and their families.
- What programs are being implemented to address youth violence?
- Programs like the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) aim to help students manage aggressive behaviors and reduce violence among youth.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Underage Suspects Charged with Murder
- WBTV: Why are Young People Turning to Gun Violence?
- WBTV: Family of Slain 16-Year-Old Speaks Out
- Charlotte Observer: Local Crime and Youth Violence
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
Author: HERE Charlotte
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