Kids with Guns and Stolen Cars

The day after the official Christmas Holiday was a busy day for CMPD as Officers pursued suspects involved in violent crimes.

The first chase began shortly after 8:30 a.m Tuesday morning, when CMPD was alerted by a license-plate reader to a car that was associated with a reported armed robbery and carjacking the night before. 

CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey said the victim of the robbery told police he was robbed at gunpoint and his car was stolen. 

Shortly after the alert Officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

The driver refused to pull over and a vehicle pursuit ensued as the vehicle was associated with a crime dangerous to life. Stop sticks were deployed on West Boulevard. The suspect vehicle crashed at West Boulevard and Donald Ross Road ending the pursuit.

The driver of the vehicle identified as Monet Darrisaw was pronounced deceased at the scene and the passenger was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The fatal chase comes after public outcry over police chases, but the department policy is clear:

In this case CMPD Officers had reasonable suspicion the driver or occupant had already committed a crime dangerous to life.

Hulsey said the pursuit lasted 10 to 12 minutes. Until, officers deployed a stop stick tire deflation device on West Boulevard. She said the car kept going until it crashed into a tree near West Boulevard and Romare Bearden Drive.

CMPD’s Internal Affairs is investigating the pursuit to ensure officers did follow policy, Hulsey said.

In the second case two juveniles were arrested after leading Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers on a car chase Tuesday afternoon.

Police say during an attempt to stop a stolen vehicle in the area of Beatties Ford Road and Brookshire Boulevard, the suspect vehicle refused to stop.

Officers disengaged and their helicopter monitored from overhead.

The suspect vehicle later crashed and engaged in a foot chase with the occupants, leading to the arrests of two juveniles.

Both juveniles were transported by Medic to the hospital with minor injuries.

CLT Solid Waste Service's Stunning Incompetence

It's not hard really, just update your website to tell taxpayers the garbage collection holiday schedule. 

Garbage collection happens on all holidays except MLK Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This year because Christmas falls on a Sunday and the Holiday is the following Monday there will be no garbage collection on Monday December 26th. In other words everyone's garbage will be collected curbside one day late. Simple right?

Unless you are the City of Charlotte staff who think Christmas is on Sunday December 26th and you put that on the City website. It's not, Christmas is on Sunday December 25th and the Christmas "work" Holiday is Observed on Monday December 26th. 

Cedar's Take: This is what happens when you promote and hire based solely on skin color and not experience, education or common sense.

I know, it is not a big deal, and yes it is just an honest mistake, or that it doesn't really matter because most people will put their trash out on the usual day and then wonder why the trash wasn't picked up. 

Some will blame being short staffed or COVID or whatever, and say its silly to be concerned about such an obvious error.

But ask yourself if they are making such stupid mistakes on the easy stuff what is the cost to taxpayers when they screw up the major stuff? If they can't get the date right on the information they provide the public, how do they submit payroll correctly? If they can't figure out Christmas how do they know the companies they contract with are submitting legitimate invoices?

Well they are 2 for 3 apparently good enough for government work.

It is only three days a year, how freaking hard can it be to get this correct?

SouthPark Marriott Scene of Charlotte's 118th Murder

On Saturday, December 24, 2022, shortly before 4 a.m., Providence Division officers responded to possible medical emergency call for service at the Marriott Hotel located at 2200 block Rexford Road. 

Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medic responded to the scene and transported the victim to Atrium Health Main with life-threatening injuries.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

CMPD identified the victim as 32-year-old Wilmer Ulises Olivas-Alvarez.

Officers located a person of interest on scene and transported that person to the Law Enforcement Center in Uptown.  At this time, officers are not currently looking for any other suspects.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department later stated that they arrested 41-year-old Danny Earl McGowan.

MCGOWAN, DANNY EARL DOB 5/1/1981 Photo Courtesy MCSO

McGowan has been charged with murder, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

McGowan has prior convictions in Mecklenburg County for burglary and a person with the same name appears in Virginia with a number of felonies. 

A search of McGowan shows a Marsh Road residence as well as other locations in Pineville and the Charlotte area as gives his profession as electrician.

According to CMPD the department's Homicide Unit detectives, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD's Operations Command, Victim Services, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Homicide Prosecution Team, Medic and the Charlotte Fire Department also assisted.

Cedar's Take: What the hell happened to the once five star The Park Hotel? The now 3 star dump has a nightly rate of $139.00 just slightly above Days Inn Airport. The shine has worn off of SouthPark much like the once iconic Morrison name. The sad decline of Charlotte continues. 

In Charlotte Life Is Cheap

Sometimes you just can't get your head around the crime in Charlotte.

According to CMPD they have arrested a person in connection with a fatal shooting in University City on Wednesday morning.

CMPD officers were called to an apartment complex at University Village Boulevard, where they found a male victim who had been shot at around 11 a.m.

Investigators say the victim, 28-year-old Cordarrius Donquay Harris, died from his injuries.

Donquay was a repeat felon with more that his fair share of arrests and convictions. He was facing a dozen charges on no less than two arrests made during the last year.

Needless to say he won't be making his required January 10th court appearance on domestic violence charges. 

Yet the charges his killer is facing are just as troubling.

On Thursday CMPD said 19-year-old Rohan Viresh Taskar was charged with voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction of justice, and misdemeanor breaking and entering.

Taskar was already facing charges in Gaston and Catawba Counties, and was arrested by Huntersville PD on drug and weapons charges in 2021. 

Mecklenburg County DA Spencer Merriweather dismissed the Huntersville drug and weapons charges earlier this year.

Takar was convicted by an Iredell County court in 2021 of speeding to elude arrest resulting in a motor vehicle death. Then he convicted in June on this year of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon in Mecklenburg County. In both case he was given probation.

On Thursday a Mecklenburg County judge set his bond at $10,000.00. 

Cedar's Take: Kill two people inside 24 months, violate your probation, rack up a bunch of other charges and the Mecklenburg DA and Judges come up with minimal charges and your bond laughable. 

It may be that the reason for the voluntary manslaughter charge is that the victim and the shooter are connected. Perhaps both climbing in a window when there was an accidental discharge. Since it was during the B&E it was not murder rather voluntary manslaughter and that would explain the odd additional charges of B&E and Obstruction.

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals! 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control Halts Owner Surrender

Unfortunate news item from the local television news station:

Because of overcrowding, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control is halting owner surrenders.

The shelter has been putting out desperate calls for adopters and fosters as kennels have continued to fill up more and more over the last year.

“On a day that we are happy to have 20 dog adoptions/fosters going out the door, at the same time we have 15 strays/owner surrenders coming in and sadly we see no light at the end of this very long tunnel,” said Melissa Knicely, Communications and Outreach Manager at AC&C in a press release.

At the time of the press release’s writing, the shelter had a total of 208 dogs at the shelter and 282 in their care total (including fosters and staycations).

“We simply do not have room for them,” said Dr. Fisher, Director of AC&C in the same release. “ACC officers are doing everything they can to get lost pets’ home in the community before bringing them into the shelter, but between lost dogs that we are unable to find an owner, long-term case dogs, and dogs that pose a public safety risk to our community, our kennels are at capacity.”

Those who have already booked an appointment to surrender their dog will be called to cancel the appointment and provided with other resources.

The shelter is running an adoption special for all animals through December 31: Adoptions are free with a monetary donation to any of the shelter’s programs.

To help combat overcrowding, the community is encouraged to spay and neuter their pets, make sure they’re microchipped and the registration is up-to-date, they always have an I.D. tag (provided free by AC&C, if you need one), and of course, foster or adopt a dog.

Want to learn how you can foster or adopt? Visit animals.cmpd.org or visit the shelter at 8315 Byrum Drive, Charlotte.

Cedar's Take: Let's get this out of the way - This is a cultural problem. A total lack of accountability and reliance on government help (AKA Free Stuff) has created this problem. 

Sidebar: Pit Bulls and their countless variations can be sweet lovable goof balls. Sadly much of their aggressive behavior is trained. But the breed is also "hard wired" just a much as Labrador Retrievers thanks to careful breeding.  

Yet the fact is 98 of 100 dogs up for adoption in Charlotte's AC&C operation are Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mix. 

And the reason is a segment of our population has this need to own a "bad dog" 

And neutering or spaying them is out of the question. 

Same with proper veterinary care and licenses and general ownership.

I can't imagine how someone "bags up" a litter of pups and drops them off at the front gate at CMPD's Animal Care and Control without a thought or care. 

Owner surrenders are just a nice way of saying ghetto dog owners who should have never owned a dog in the first place.

The push back is always the same: That's misinformation that's urban myth, but the numbers don't lie.

AC & C says they don't track information regarding owner surrenders. But CP hears that there are some people who are serial surrenderers. 

And so it goes that tax payers are let to foot the bill. Vet care spay/neuter food housing. Then lets point out that AC & C operates from basically the same size location and facility they have for years. Their budget has not kept pace with Charlotte.  

Yes there's talk of expansion but it is small compared to the need which is overwhelming.

What's needed is a culture change. If ghetto is you style fine but it should cost you and not the taxpayers. CP 

 

What's Up With the Rea Road Truck Stop?

Hey  @NCSHP @NCDOT @NCDOT_Charlotte @RoyCooperNC

What’s up with the “makeshift truck stop” at I-485 Outer Exit 59 Rea Road?

The other morning at 6am, 7 tractor trailers were parked on shoulder one barely off the pavement. It’s been going on for months. This is a residential area fix this! 

And yes, it is unlawful:

Stopping, standing, or parking any vehicle on any part of the right-of-way of interstates and other controlled-access highways (except in the case of an emergency, as directed by law enforcement, or at designated parking areas) is prohibited by statute and, therefore, does not need to be ordinance (20-140.3, 5).

Traffic is bad enough without these big rigs blocking the shoulder and as you can see the directional signs. 

Ceyonna Morris Murder Just Another Victim?

The standard CMPD press release gave the usual grim notice:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, December 17, 2022) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation near the 4300 block of Valeview Lane in the North Division.

Followed by a little more detail:

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, shortly before 5 p.m., North Division officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call for service in the 4300 block of Valeview Lane. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medic responded to the scene and transported the victim to Atrium Health Main.  The victim was pronounced deceased a short time after arriving at the hospital.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD's Operations Command, Victim Services, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Homicide Prosecution Team, Medic and the Charlotte Fire Department also assisted.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Dollar is the lead detective assigned to this case.  The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.  For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20221217-1656-01. 

The next morning:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, December 18, 2022) – The victim in this case has been identified as Ceyonna Morris (DOB: 06/02/2002). The victim's next of kin has been notified of her death.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Dollar is the lead detective assigned to this case.  

Normally just another sad number, now over 100 of Charlotte's mostly Black homicide victims. A day later the crime scene tape no longer flutters in the winter wind. The sun is out and while the temps are chilly there is a welcome warmth in the air. Life goes on.

But this one hits home. Ceyonna was a hairstylist and one of her employers a friend of Mrs. Cedar's. Ceyonna was also known as a voice that spoke out about CATS and bus routes a few years ago. She had presence, she was  a light and a spark that said I'll make a difference and change the world for the better. A future of unlimited potential stolen from us all.  

The justice system is broken violent felons terrorize our streets and kill our children our youth and our future. And Vi Lyles remains silent. 

Another Shooting at Northlake Mall

 According to local news 2 people were taken to a hospital after a shooting around 3 p.m. on Thursday at Northlake Mall.

The Starwood owned mall has been a never ending source of crime over the last several years.

Apparently a fight between the shooting victim and the suspect started inside the mall near Dillard’s, CMPD said. The suspect drew a gun and fired several shots, hitting two people, including an innocent bystander.

Witnesses said they heard a commotion from the second floor not far, from the food court entrance between Firebirds and H&M.

An on-duty CMPD officer assigned to the mall located the suspect and tried to detain him. The suspect dropped the gun and ran off. Officers caught up with the suspect and took him into custody. 

  

After the situation was under control, Northlake officials asked officers to walk through the mall to let everyone know about the incident and tell them there was no ongoing threat.

The shooting victim involved in the fight was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and was released Thursday night, a mall spokesperson said. The innocent bystander remains under care with non-life-threatening injuries.

Friday morning, officials announced that one of the victims had been released from the hospital.

There will be an increased police presence at the mall and counselors will be available as employees return, the spokesperson said.

“It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, I would hope this type of activity would make people upset and worried all year round,” said CMPD Major Ryan Butler. “I would suggest any time you’re at a major public venue that you maintain situational awareness.”

Statement from Northlake Mall:

“Earlier this afternoon, Northlake Mall experienced an isolated shooter incident. The authorities were immediately contacted and the shooter was detained. There is no threat at this time. However, the mall will remain closed for the remainder of today. We are working with local authorities to better understand what transpired.”

On Friday CMPD confirmed that 3 suspects were arrested.

Xavior Grant Alexander DOB 10/31/2003 who was charged with AWDWIKISI and Attempted Murder.

and two additional males were also arrested:

Jadah Van Williams (DOB: 06/15/2001) – charged with assault

and an unnamed 17 year-old juvenile – charged with assault

Cedar's Take - Northlake is a mess. The demographic shift in Charlotte has turned the place into a cesspool of crime and a mecca of the drug trade. Which is good news for Concord Mills. Sadly Charlotte City Council re-zoning in favor of density saturation has driven the building of apartments versus single family homes. The oversupply has depressed rent roles and rental rates. Starwood has failed to address the problem and the end result will be another Eastland Mall. 

John Jacik Death - CMPD Officer Guilty of Misdemeanor Sentenced to One Year Unsupervised Probation

Local Television News Reporter Continues Her Excellent Play by Play Coverage of CMPD Officer Barker Trial via Twitter:

TRIAL FOR OFC. BARKER continues: Attorneys discussing “culpable negligence” with the judge. 

This is the term the jury asked for clarity on 

Judge will bring jury back in to get further explanation from them as to what they’re struggling with 

Jury asks to go back to the jury room to discuss how they want to clarify the specifics of their question 

The jury is back in court and they are putting an additional definition for culpable negligence on the screen for them to take notes on 

#BREAKING- Judge says jury has a verdict 

Jury: GUILTY of misdemeanor death by vehicle. 

Prosecutor: Family of Short not in court. "This has been extremely hard on them." 

Says John Jacik wanted to be here to speak but is not.

Defense: Says Barker is scheduled to be married December 28th. 

"He does regret what happened and is remorseful for what happened to the family... we still contend he was responding to a priority 1 call." 

Says he's never had driving disciplinary actions. 

Barker is speaking. Apologizes to the family, says he's been "on probation" for the past 5 years going job to job while he's been on unpaid leave from CMPD. 

Prosecutor: We offered Barker a plea deal 5 years ago, but this was his choice. 

Sentencing:

12 mos unsupervised probation

50 hours community service 

12 mos suspension drivers license 

Bailey Marie Todd Murder Case Continued Once Again

One of dozens of murder cases that have been delayed or dismissed by Spencer Merriweather's Mecklenburg District Attorney's office is that of Bailey Todd.  

Bailey Todd Photo MCSO

Todd was 21 when she according to police she murdered 22-year-old Josh Griffin. Griffin was killed on Pinewood Circle in Mint Hill around 4 a.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2019. 

Police reports show a knife was used as the murder weapon.

Sean Harper, 23 of Halifax, VA, was also charged in Griffin’s death. Arrest warrants were issued for both Todd and Harper for first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and destruction of evidence.

Todd was initially arrested on July 19, 2019 and released on bail in January of 2020. On July 1, 2021 she was arrested on a felony probation violations and drug charges. She was previously convicted in 2018 on felony drug charges and given a suspended sentence, community service and probation. She will appear in court on drug charges and violating the terms of her probation on September 14th. 

Three years later Todd now 24 still awaits trial on the First Degree Murder charge, which on December 8th was continued until March of next year.

Meanwhile Harper has remained behind bars since his arrest on July 1, 2019.

Sean Harper Photo MCSO

Yet a search of current trail calendar shows only an August 29, 2022 court date for a felon with gun charge. 

Now more than three years later the family of Josh Griffin waits for justice.

Joshua David "Boo" Griffin, Jr

May 18, 1997 ~ June 23, 2019 (age 22)

Perhaps like God's Grace - Justice Delaying is not Justice Denied? Bailey will appear in court on drug charges in January on 2023. 

CMPD Officer Barker Closing Arguments

Back in court for trial of CMPD Officer Barker:

Judge, defense and prosecution discussing language of charges they will be presenting to jury today. 

Jury is now entering for closing arguments 

Prosecution is beginning closing arguments.

Says Short had a right to expect Ofc. Barker would "bring his A game to every call to service," had the right to expect him to "use his training specifically designed to protect all the ppl he was sworn to serve" 

Prosecution showing words "broken trust" on the big screen. Now showing photos from night of crash and words "duty failed." 

He says defense is going to argue he was exempted from law because he's a police officer, prosecutor: "It doesn't work that way." "He must show that he showed due regard for the safety of others." 

Prosecutor: "Let's be clear. 100mph was reckless and unreasonable on Morehead Street no matter what the day, no matter what the time." 

"Look at his computer. What did it say? Car versus building, MEDIC 17 on the way, awake and breathing... When he launched himself down Morehead that was the info he had." 

Prosecutor says he put himself, fellow officers, & citizens he is sworn to protect in danger.

He says there is no evidence that he slowed down ever after he left College & Morehead. "He didn't follow his training."

"Remember 100mph and no clearing intersections."  

Showing body worn camera on screen again. "This is one of the most important pieces of evidence... cameras don't have a side." ... "We're going to watch it several times." 

He's asking jury to pay attention to the sound of the engine and the image of buildings as he speeds past them. Now to focus in on the speedometer: "over 100mph. The video has no side in this case." 

Replayed it-- reminding them of witness Tommie Gentry's testimony on driving training: "It takes 1.5 sec to react."

"If he hadn't been going 100mph he would've been able to avoid this crash."

"There is no doubt that Michael was in the roadway. There is no doubt that the light was green... but... no matter what Michael was doing, the defendant still had a duty to regard the safety of others. At 100mph he created conditions that made that impossible." 

Discussing Michael's condition: "He was intoxicated, he took medication. Beyond that? That is not in the evidence before you." 

Prosecution now showing a side-by-side view of body cam footage worn by Ofc. Kelly and Ofc. Barker 

Prosecutor tells jury the defense made promises to them they are not fulfilling.

"They played audio but didn't match it up with what was happening at the time."

"Think about what the defendant knew, and when he knew it and was it worth responding to at 100mph?" 

Prosecutor is laying out to the jury what they have to consider in determining whether the state proves what it has to prove to return a conviction. 

Prosecutor says difference b/w responding to that call at 35 mph and 100 mph is 90 SECONDS. 

Showing photo of James Michael Short on the screen.

"He killed Michael. He didn't mean to kill him, but that's not what we have to prove." 

15 min recess 

Defense attorney starting opening arguments.

Defense reading definition of reasonable doubt. 

"The defense is not required to prove defendant's innocence." Innocence is presumed because he pled not guilty.

Defense: "Only time you've heard 100mph is thru the prosecutor's mouth."

Lists on a screen titled: What it takes to be a police officer, Tough time to be an officer

What did officer know at time? Screen says: priority 1 call, person vs. bldg, person possibly ejected 

Defense: "We don't have to prove a thing. They do. And they haven't done it." 

Defense says Ofc. Barker had to consider not only the person, but structure of the bldg. knowing that a vehicle had hit it. 

Asks jury if they saw him going 100 mph. Reminds them he was driving in left lane per training, followed by 2 officers to create "presence"

Defense: "If you're on meds, or even worse if you're off meds for schizophrenia... you might see things." 

Screen says: "Very little evidence. Very big decision." 

He's going through witness Ofc. Tommie Gentry Horton's training-- says you'd have to be trained to know conditions of roads.

Says Ofc. Barker was trained. 

Reminds jury there's no traffic. "Not foreseeable" that someone in all dark clothing would be crossing st. 

Reminds jury Joshua Short told them his brother took meds religiously.

"If you know someone is bipolar and schizophrenic.. should they be drinking?"

Reminds jury that witness John Jacik says they took shots of vodka and he was so drunk he was escorted out of bar.

Defense says prosecutor is trying to tell them he's an unsafe driver.

"The same man who chewed out his colleague for making an unsafe U-turn?" (Referring to testimony from Ofc. Kelly.) 

Says Ofc. Kelly also never saw anyone on the road.

Now discussing witness CSI Shari Walton- saying her diagram was not made to scale.

Defense tells jury every element has to be proven w/o reasonable doubt.

He says if there's no traffic violation, full stop, not guilty. Officer exemption applies? Not guilty. No proximate cause? Full stop. Certainly not criminally negligent. 

"What did the state actually prove after only calling 5 witnesses?" he asks.

"You can say 100 mph all you want."

He says jury selection took longer than the actual trial b/c jurors don't want to be responsible for determining officer's liberty. 

Closing arguments ended. 

Judge says jury now has to decide what facts are, and apply law to those facts.

Plea: Not guilty. Defense not required to prove innocence.

State must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Judge asked original 12 jurors if they are able to participate in jury deliberations. They all raised their hands and are now clearing the room.

The alternate jurors will go to jury assembly room while deliberations take place. They're on standby. 

JUDGE: Releasing jury for the night. Overnight judge/attorneys will be looking into providing them w/ another definition for "culpable negligence" as it relates to involuntary manslaughter. Jury asking for clarity on this. They'll be back at 9:30am tomorrow.

Biden's Border Policy is Misguided and Counter Intuitive

16,000 illegals just this weekend.

The massive border insurrection is flooding the US workforce with cheap labor - completely opposite of the liberal calls for better wages.

The immigration insurrection is driving up low income housing demand, increasing housing costs disproportionately on the low rental market. Again counter to liberal demands for more affordable housing.

Most migrants participating in the border insurrection are un-vaccinated - not just for COVID but for tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, chickenpox, meningitis and others diseases. 

Many are unknown carriers of deadly illnesses that have been long removed from the US healthcare system. None that is NONE have healthcare insurance.

The odds that Immigrant Insurrection has the potential to overwhelm our healthcare system is huge.

Finally there is little benefit to GDP because most the earned wages return to the country of origin. 

In other words the largest export to the US from Central America is cheap labor, deadly drugs, slavery and it's duty and tariff free.

 As the insurrection at our Southern Border grows so does the potential of destroying the US economic outlook for decades to come. 

Footnote:

Before you get all worked up about how racist Cedar Posts is and his white privilege keep in mind my ex is Latina, my sister in-law is from Honduras, I speak passable spanish and have spent a large amount of time on Central American Coast and in Texas. My first border crossing was at age 8 and I've been to the border more times than that idiot Mayorkas! 

Gangbanger Brothers Gunned Down

Brothers Damien Gonzalez (left) and Dominic Salazar (right)

A family continued to grieve this weekend while demanding justice as detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office charged two juvenile suspects in the shooting deaths of brothers Damien Gonzales and Dominic Salazar.

Police identified the first victim as 17-year-old Damien Gonzalez who was pronounced dead at the scene the night of the shooting. At that time police would only say that a second person was shot, that the victim was 18-years-old and remained in the hospital in critical condition.

It was later determined that the second victim was related to the first both connected to a  shooting the Fred Alexander on November 15th. 

Last week the second shooting victim Dominic Salazar succumbed to his injuries. 

CMPD has now charged two juveniles for the murder of Damien Gonzalez and Dominic Salazar.  Both juveniles are charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted murder.  

The unnamed juveniles are being held by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.

Now the brothers’ family wants them to be charged as adults.

“That’s two off the streets right there, if you keep them off,’ says Ronald Christenbury, the brothers’ grandfather.

Damien's family described him as having many hobbies which included riding dirt bikes and bicycles, playing soccer and listening to music.  Most important to him was being with his family, especially his infant son and best friend and brother Dominic Salazar.

Family photos show two very close brothers 

And the family is even asking for help with funeral arrangements for Dominic Salazar.  If you’d like to donate you can do so, via gofundme. 

The Fred Alexander Park is a constant source of crime in the Beatties Ford Road area. Just two weeks ago a Mecklenburg County Park Ranger was shot at the same location.

One week of crime at the Fred Alexander Park in a pie graph makes the playground a poor choice for most families.

Of course everyone knows, crimes are ever present in "Da Ford" so unless you live across the street there's not many reasons to even be in the area. Not surprisingly as the their social media posts show the brothers were anything but "good boys" 

Elected Mecklenburg County and Charlotte City Officials need to ditch their woke agenda and start to address crime head on. Families need to wake up as well, these young men were not at the park to shoot hoops and its a long way from Huntersville. Sadly there are few reasons to visit Fred Alexander Park. No ducks to feed no running tracks just a seldom used tennis court and two basketball goals.

CMPD Officer Trial Day 2 Testimony

WBTV's Caroline Hicks running commentary of the trial of CMPD Officer Phillip Barker:

Day 2 of the trial of CMPD Officer Phillip Barker is about to begin with more witnesses taking the stand 

The prosecutor requested that we not film the first witness approaching the stand. He was subpoenaed here and is emotional. The judge approved that request. We are still able to take notes, but are not allowed to film the first witness 

First witness taking the stand: 34-year-old John Jacik was visiting Charlotte and was with James Michael Short the night of his death 

Jacik was here for the 4th of July holiday. Short picked him up from the airport. They spent some time in Myrtle Beach to watch fireworks and then came back to Charlotte. Plan was to get a hotel room, go out in Charlotte 

He says they were drinking New Amsterdam Apple Vodka. They got an uber to the club. He says Short was "a little drunk at that point, a bit more than he should have been." 

He says they separated at the club. Short was upstairs, Jacik was downstairs. Then the bouncer told Short to leave because he was too drunk, he saw him being brought out. He says Short "seemed like he was rather intoxicated." 

Jacik says he followed him out of the club (The Bar at 316). Short was locked out of his phone, Jacik's phone was dead. Short laid down outside, Jacik and another person went inside club to look for a phone charge. When they came back outside Short was gone. 

Jacik, and another person named Dante, tried to find Short but couldn't. So Jacik found other people who offered to help him get back to his hotel in their uber. He waited at hotel for Short, but he never came. "I had no reason to believe something happened." 

Then the police came to the hotel and woke him up. Prosecutor showing body camera footage. Police told him: "he was involved in an accident last night, his parents have asked us to come get his belongings." He asked if he's okay. Police: "I'm afraid he passed." 

Footage shows Jacik collecting his bag. Police tell him Short was hit by a car and detectives would like to speak with him. "Anything!" Jacik said. 

Police asked to see Short's car. It was parked in the hotel lot. Video ended. Jacik says he then provided a statement to police, gave them all the information they asked for. 

Prosecutors are now playing the audio from the interview Jacik gave to detectives. Plus he's handing the written transcript of that interview to the judge and defense. 

In the audio, Jacik describes what happened that night. The story is the same as what he said on the stand earlier. "It was at the point where there was nothing else I could do." Jacik is emotional on the stand listening to this audio 

Jacik tells police in the interview that he went to another party, then went back to the hotel and waited for him. Calls went straight to his voicemail. 

Describing Short's state that night: Jacik says Short had trouble walking, he was slurring his speech but was able to converse. 

Prosecutor now asking Jacik to read portion of transcript and clarify something he said about Short "trying to get into rental car" at the club. He says he meant he was drunk trying to get into random cars, clarifies that Short's rental car was still parked at hotel 

Cross examination: Defense asking Jacik how often he talked to Short: "often." Asked if he talked about mental health issues he had. "We just talked as friends. I'm not sure how in depth you want me to get." 

Asked if they did drugs. "There were no drugs involved whatsoever." He also says he did not see him taking medications. Asked if they were doing shots of vodka, he says yes. Can't recall how many shots. He says he wasn't angry that he was talking to other guys at club 

Defense says that in the interview Jacik mentioned Short was angry. Now he tells defense he's never seen him angry. 

NEXT WITNESS: CMPD patrol officer Steven Kelly, hired in June 2016. Worked 3rd shift in Central Division with Officer Barker. 

Prosecutor asking him to describe lighting in various areas along E Morehead Street. 

He was dispatched to same Priorty 1 call that Officer Barker was that night: Traffic accident with injuries: vehicle vs. building. 

He says he was called to Morehead and Kings Dr. He was closeby (Stonewall & Caldwell area) on way to less serious call, so he asked to be switched to this call. Turned on lights and sirens and headed that way. 

He says Officer Barker made a righthand turn onto Morehead a block east of him. Ofc Kelly let him go in front of him, then turned left onto E Morehead from S Tryon behind Barker 

Ofc Kelly says he was driving between 50-70mph. He says he slowed down as he approached intersections. Never encountered a red light. He describes Ofc Barker as driving "a little bit faster than I was." 

Ofc Kelly says he does not recall seeing Ofc Barker's brake lights until the collision. Kelly says he reached the speed he was comfortable with, that he thought was appropriate for the call-- he did not choose to speed up to catch up with Barker 

As Ofc Barker crossed Morehead & Euclid: Ofc Kelly watched him swerve roughly 100 yards and then saw debris, so he thought he blew a tire. Stopped behind him to make sure he was OK. 

He noticed windshield damage. Says Barker's car was between intersections of Euclid and Royal. Got out of his car- realized Barker had hit a person. He says body was 15-20 yards behind Barker's car, body had significant injuries and was not entirely intact. 

He says Ofc Barker was "concerned." Spoke to MEDIC, another officer who also stopped. Barker asked him if there was glass on his face, Kelly didn't see any. He says they checked out body, requested resources to shut down intersection, contacted supervisor to respond 

Ofc Kelly body cam footage: Dispatch call comes thru, Kelly says he's not far from it, puts blue lights on. He drives-- then stops and gets out of car and runs towards Ofc Barker. "Did you hit him?" he asks. Barker says "yeah" He moves to block intersection w/ his car 

Prosecutor is re-playing dispatch call, going through it again. Dispatcher updates the call saying "21-year-old male awake and breathing at this time." At that point Ofc Kelly hits brakes abruptly because he sees Barker brake and swerve. 

Now moving to lunch recess until 2pm 

LUNCH

Prosecution continuing questioning of witness Ofc Kelly. Now playing recorded statement from Ofc Kelly from after he left the scene 

Ofc Kelly said he was driving approx. 50 mph and Ofc Barker "is definitely going faster than me. I thought about speeding up to him, then I decided not to." Said he didn't think the call warranted a faster speed. He guessed Kelly was going 60 mph 

Ofc Kelly said the light was green when Barker went thru it. 

Defense attorney Michael Greene now cross examining Ofc Kelly. Asked if Kelly received emails from him, including subpoena. He says he saw the subpoena and notified the DA's office. 

He asked if Ofc Barker's patrol car model was faster than Ofc Kelly's? He said yes 

Asked if there would normally be foot traffic at 3:30am since bars close at 2 and Kelly said no. Also confirmed no big events that night. Defense asking if there's a distinction within Priority 1 calls of which incidents are more serious than others, Kelly says no. 

Defense asking about Ofc Kelly's conversation with ADA: that ADA confirmed Kelly's speed was actually closer to 75mph, which Ofc Kelly confirms. Asks if Kelly saw person walking across street, he said no. 

He also asks Ofc Kelly to share the story he told the ADA about a time that Ofc Barker yelled at him for making an unsafe U-turn without blue lights leaving a scene. Kelly tells story. 

NEXT WITNESS: State calling Crime Scene Investigator Shari Walton to the stand. She was requested to go to scene around 3:30am. She IDed dead body, items in roadway.  

Prosecution showing diagram Walton created of scene. Items scattered across road included a phone and clothing items. 

Court taking a 15 min recess 

Prosecution showing photos [some graphic in nature] that Walton took on scene. Including human tissue, cracked phone, shoe 

She's describing Short's injuries in graphic detail. Prosecutor just passed photos to the jurors to look at, and they are not showing the photos on the big screen 

She says his clothing and items were wet. It was not raining that night. 

Defense is beginning cross examination. Asking Walton why there wasn't a lot of blood on scene. She said there was blood. 

He asked why they didn't do a 3D FARO scan of items found. She said that's not her call.

Court is over for the day. Trial resumes Monday with continued cross examination of Crime Scene Investigator Walton

1714 12-9-2022

CMPD Officer Barker Trial

Caroline Hicks live tweeted much of today's testimony 

RIGHT NOW: Opening statements are beginning in the trial of CMPD officer Philip Barker

Prosecutor describing scene of car crash in 2017 to the jury. He described in graphic detail the dismembered body of James Short after Officer Barker hit him at up to 100 mph 

Defense attorney described life of 28-year-old James Short. Now about to play dispatch call from that day 

Barker got a dispatch call about a priority 1 call: a 21-year-old ejected from a vehicle. That's what Barker was driving to respond to when he hit James Short 

He says Short was drunk- his BAC about 3x the legal limit and also took Xanax. He says we will hear from toxicologist about what effects this would all have on a person 

He says Short was dressed in all black. Tells jury that prosecutor will try to make case that he had duty to look both ways & follow rules of pedestrians. But he says Barker did not follow rules of road: did not stop and look left and right before making turn 

NEXT: We will hear witness testimony. Judge tells jurors they can take notes 

Prosecutor showing bodycam footage from Barker's vehicle. It shows point at which he hits Short- loud noise, windshield smashes. He calls for MEDIC. 

FIRST WITNESS to the stand: Tommie Gentry a part time employee of CMPD (teachers drivers training and firearms at the academy, logistical ops at warehouse- puts up barricades for events). Works 0-40 hours a week depending on week 

He joined CMPD in June 1993. Retired as full-time employee for CMPD in March 2022. He used to be a full-time logistics operations at warehouse, and part time at academy. 

Gentry taught driver instruction to officers since 2003. Prosecutor asking him to explain how calls come into patrol officers in the car- describing phone, radio and computer systems 

Gentry says it usually takes a second and a half to perceive hazard in roadway and then put foot on brake. Speed affects vision: faster you go, less peripheral vision works. 

Describes how faster driving, longer time it takes to brake. In fall of 2017-- Gentry conducted training at airport-- showing officers a demo of what it takes to get a vehicle to stop at 60, 80 & 100mph. Used same car Barker drove.  

At 100mph-- car traveled close to 400 ft. before coming to a stop. They showed video from the training 

Gentry says he did not reduce speeds to clear intersections, which does not meet directives

No further questions from prosecution. Judge announcing recess until 2pm. 

2 PM

Court is back in session. Cross examination of prosecutor's witness Tommie Gentry is beginning. 

Defense attorney George Laughrun asking Gentry about the training he conducted at the airport. Argues there's a big difference between an FAA- authorized simulation in optimal conditions, no unforeseen circumstances v. the deadly crash on Morehead 

Laughrun asks if CMPD has a program for officers needing extra driving/ remedial training due to issues w/ their conduct. Gentry says yes -- and Barker was never subjected to that 

Defense asking Gentry about educational program called Watch For Me NC. He says he's heard of it but hasn't taken it. 

Now handed him Barker's training book. It contained tests where Barker received 100% scores and notes that said "Good job!" He scored high on all emergency driving courses. 

Prosecutor now questioning Gentry again. Asked if he would expect an officer to have both hands on the wheel when not speaking on radio. He said yes. Barker only had one hand on wheel at time of crash 

Prosecutor asked if Barker accelerated through 3 intersections, was he following protocol of slowing to clear them? Gentry says no. 

Prosecutor calling James' brother Joshua Short up to the stand as a witness. He says his brother went by "Mike." He referenced that his mother and father Deborah and John Short are also in court. 

Jury is heading into recess until 3:45 

3:45 PM

Back in session. Defense team now cross examining Joshua Short 

Defense team asks Joshua if his brother took his meds for mental health disorder and schizophrenia the day of crash. Joshua not sure but says his brother was "adamant" about taking it

Twitter Silenced Opposing Views

It might not seem like a big deal. If your a democrat til death you may even think Twitter muting Trump is a good thing.

But Twitter silencing conservative voices damaged democracy, damaged science, and damaged our nation.

Officially the Twitter algorithm based its curating of content on users activity on the platform. As you interacted on Twitter, and liked certain tweets, followed certain accounts, and retweeted certain things you liked, Twitter used all of that interaction to show tweets it thinks you want to see.

Yet when Twitter starting using it's platform and algorithm to control free speech it become a true "Big Brother" and when the control started coming from within the FBI it became a threat to our Nation.

When Donald Trump won the 2016 election liberal snowflakes where stunned, shocked and dismayed. Much of that trama occurred because Twitter had been silencing, blacklisting and shadow banning opposing viewpoints. Liberals had no clue that Hillary wasn't universally loved by all because they never saw the massive volume of people tweeting their dislike of HIllary Clinton. 

Now we are faced with a choice, allow free speech and regin in the FBI and other government agencies or continue as a nation moving towards a Soviet / Chinese style overlord that seeks to control your every action and thought.

Choose Carefully America.  

Independence Crash Kills Terryn Desravines, Brooke Peters

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal vehicle crash in the Providence Division.

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, at approximately 12:34 a.m., Providence Division officers responded to a two vehicle crash in the 1900 block of E. Independence Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located a 2018 Lexus IS300 with extensive damage and a 2019 Honda HR-V Sport with heavy right rear damage. Two people were located lying in the roadway with life threatening injuries.  The driver of the Honda was located inside the vehicle with serious injuries.  

Medic arrived on scene and pronounced the two people lying in the roadway deceased on scene.  The driver of the Honda was transported by Medic to Atrium Health Main with serious injuries.

CMPD's Major Crash Investigation Unit, the DWI Task Force and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the Lexus was traveling east on E. Independence Boulevard at a high rate of speed, when it struck the rear of the Honda causing both vehicles to lose control. The impact of the crash caused the Lexus to flip and eject the driver, Terryn Desravines, and passenger, Brooke Peters, from the vehicle. Both subjects were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.  The families of Terryn Desravines (DOB: 11/10/1999) and Brooke Peters (DOB: 08/30/2001) have been notified of their deaths.

The driver of the Honda, Brian Aurillo (DOB: 08/23/1964), was screened for impairment and found not to be impaired at the time of the crash.

Impairment and speed are believed to be factors in this crash.

Desravines Terryn Moses, Photo Via MCSO

Desravines was arrested back in May of 2021 for possession and speeding.

According to CMPD the investigation into this crash is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Kupfer at (704) 432-2169, Ext 1. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.  For additional information about this case, please refer to report: 20221201-0034-00.

Bicyclists Are Idiots

I make no excuses, I absolutely detest Charlotte cyclists! 

But this is a new level of stupid. 

11:00 AM on Sunday and this clown is towing his toddler down the two lane section of Ballantyne Commons Parkway east of Rea Road in heavy traffic behind his road bike.

If this is legal it shouldn't be, even in a bike lane this is nuts.

You want to tow your kid down the greenway in this rickshaw setup fine. Still stupid if you ask me. But towing your kid behind your bike down a beat to hell pot hole covered busy two lane road is absolutely child abuse.

What a total freaking idiot!

Former CMPD Officer Phillip Barker Trial To Begin Monday

Yesterday the "Local Paper" regurgitated some of their earlier reporting on a CMPD Officer Involved Pedestrian Death from five years ago.

In July 2017, two lives headed in different directions intersected south of uptown Charlotte at more than 100 mph. In an instant, James Michael Short was dead, his body thrown more than the length of a football field down Morehead Street after being struck by the patrol car driven by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Phillip Barker.

Barker, who was responding to a pre-dawn report of a wreck nearby, was traveling at almost three times the posted speed limit of 35 mph. Next week, the two men’s lives will cross once again, this time in a Mecklenburg County courtroom.

On Dec. 5, Barker will become the first CMPD officer in more than seven years to be tried on criminal charges tied to an on-duty death. The now 29-year-old is charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony, and two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle in connection with the collision that killed Short on July 8, 2017. If convicted of all charges, Barker faces a maximum sentence of more than five years in prison.

In a real sense, Barker’s attorneys are expected to put Short on trial, too — specifically, his actions during his last hours of life that left large amounts of drugs and alcohol in his body, which may have impaired his judgment and contributed to his death. 

In fact, the lawyers say Short, a 28-year-old computer student at Central Piedmont Community College, had drunk so much at a South End bar that night that he had been ordered to leave. 

Short crossed Morehead “despite having three marked CMPD patrol vehicles traveling in his direction with blue lights and sirens activated,” Michael Greene, a member of Barker’s Charlotte-based defense team, said previously. 

Asked last week by The Local Paper if he believes drugs and alcohol contributed to Short’s death, Greene declined to comment. The trial could take up to two weeks. The defense team, which also includes George Laughrun, plans to call more than 20 witnesses. 

Barker will be tried by Bill Bunting and Glenn Cole, two of the most veteran homicide prosecutors in the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office. 

Officer Barker has deep ties to the police department. His father is a retired CMPD sergeant while his mother is a former magistrate who still works at the department in a civilian position. Barker has been on unpaid administrative leave since his arrest.

He was originally charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. In December 2017, however, the District Attorney’s Office took the case before a grand jury, which returned the far more serious involuntary manslaughter indictment. 

At the time of Barker’s arrest, then Police Chief Kerr Putney described the officer’s driving speed as “excessive,” and said it was the determining factor in the department’s decision to bring charges. 

Putney said CMPD officers are allowed to speed when their emergency lights are on but only if they do so with the safety of others in mind. “Sometimes with youth, you don’t have the experience,” he said of Barker, who was 24 at the time and had joined CMPD 18 months earlier.

Greene says his client should never have been arrested or indicted. He told the Observer last week that Short’s death was an accident, not the legal grounds for criminal charges. “When the jury sees the evidence in its totality,” he said, “they will certainly see that this was not a crime.”

EXCESSIVE SPEED VS. DRUGS, ALCOHOL 

In one regard, the jury’s verdict could hinge on what set of numbers receive the most weight. Prosecutors say Barker was driving recklessly on July 8, 2017, when he blasted south down Morehead Street at 3:30 a.m. while responding to a “priority one” call of a car crashing into a building on Kings Drive in which the driver possibly had been ejected. 

CP Notes the Local Paper's use of "blasted south down Morehead"

Barker was one of three officers who raced toward the reported wreck. He was traveling at more than 100 mph when he raced down the hill by the Dowd YMCA toward Euclid Avenue. That’s where Short was crossing the street.

Barker had the green light, and his emergency lights and siren were on. Prosecutors and Barker’s defense team disagree on whether Short was walking in the Morehead Street crosswalk or near it. Short had been drinking at The Bar at 316 in South End. His blood-alcohol level at the time of his death ranged from .24 to .30, at least three times the legal limit for driving while impaired. 

His autopsy also showed that Short had ingested what the N.C. Medical Examiner’s office considers to be a “toxic” amount of Xanax, a powerful anti-depressant that affects the brain and central nervous system, particularly when combined with alcohol. 

MANSLAUGHTER TRIALS AND COPS 

Criminal charges against Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are rare; charges involving on-duty homicides are rarer still. Barker is the city’s first police defendant in a manslaughter trial since Randall “Wes” Kerrick, who was charged in connection with the September 2013 shooting death of Jonathan Ferrell. 

Kerrick shot the unarmed Ferrell 10 times after the former college football player ran toward him during an early morning confrontation east of Charlotte. Kerrick’s 2015 trial ended in a hung jury with eight of the 12 members voting to acquit. The charges were later dropped, and Kerrick left the force. 

In 2009, CMPD officer Martray Proctor pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three years’ probation after his police cruiser struck a car driven by 20-year-old Shatona Robinson, who died at the scene. Proctor was traveling as fast as 111 mph in a 45 mph zone and did not have his siren on. 

The Kerrick and Barker cases share at least three similarities. Greene and Laughrun also represented Kerrick. Meanwhile, the Barker trial will be heard by Superior Court Judge Robert Ervin, who also was on the bench for Kerrick. 

In both cases the City of Charlotte agreed to pay large settlements to the dead men’s families long before the trials. In Ferrell’s case, the check was for $2.25 million.

 After the trial, the city also paid Kerrick about $180,000 in return for his resignation. 

In March 2019, the city settled with Short’s family for $950,000, the Observer reported at the time. 

Nationally, fatal collisions between emergency vehicles and pedestrians occur every other day, according to the National Safety Council. In 2020, 180 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles, with police cars accounting for 132 of the fatalities. Pedestrians made up a quarter (45) of the overall deaths.

CP's Take: This is just another reason why CMPD is understaffed, can't recruit, or retain Officers. Baker was wrong, but contributory negligence in this case far out weighs Baker's actions which were conducted without malice or intent. The Meck DA's office should have shit canned this case years ago. 

Speed is relative given the facts including the level of intoxication of the victim and questions regarding who provided him with that level of alcohol and drugs there seems plenty of blame to go around.

Starbucks Labels Black Woman's Drink "Monkey"

This is pretty darn funny. I get it there are racist people out there. Mean spirited and hateful people, but does it really need to make national news? This from NBC's Today:

A Maryland woman is speaking out after a Starbucks barista wrote her name as "Monkey" while taking her order.

Monique Pugh tells TODAY.com that she has been a loyal Starbucks customer for 20 years. On Nov. 19, she said, she visited the location inside the Annapolis, Maryland, mall and ordered a venti Caramel Frappuccino.

"The lady at the register asked my name and I told her, and that was it," she said, noting that she used the Starbucks app to pay and verbally told the woman working her name was "Monique."

Pugh said it was a long wait for her drink and she observed that everyone ahead of her was called by their name.

"I can see from a distance, a barista picks up (my) drink and she looks at it weird, says 'venti Caramel Frap' and backed away."

Pugh says she picked up the cup and saw the word "Monkey" on it.

"My heart just drops," she says. "It was one of those in-the-moment things where your heart just drops and you’re just like, 'What?'"

Despite the distressing word on her cup, Pugh says, she initially just engaged with the nearest barista, a male, to try to get him to fix her drink, which was made incorrectly. She says he was immediately "very combative and argumentative."

"He and I were going back and forth about whether the drink was made correctly and then I had to stop myself and realized 'monkey' was written on my cup," she says, adding she was the only Black person in the store at the time.

By now you're thinking oh that's way wrong? Right? Well Today isn't done with you as you have to scroll past endless pop up ads. To continue to read this bizarre tale you have to keep scrolling and clicking. Keep in mind that Today.com where this story is posted has ad placements every couple of sentences.

She says she asked the employee, "Why am I the only Black person in the store and 'monkey' is written on my cup?"

Pugh says the male barista shrugged and told her it was a mistake.

"Just with that attitude and his response, oh it’s so triggering," she says. "Customers were looking at me and I was just embarrassed."

Pugh says the male barista didn't apologize but refunded her for the drink.

A Starbucks corporate representative confirms the incident occurred and tells TODAY.com the employee who took the order had been suspended. They also say that the store where the incident happened was a franchisee, owned by a company called Impeccable Brands.

The Starbucks representative says Impeccable Brands also initiated a third party investigation and promised additional diversity and inclusion trainings for staff.

He adds that the corporate team had reached out "directly to apologize for her experience" and to have a sit-down meeting. Pugh confirms the regional director had emailed her but had not yet responded as of Wednesday, Nov. 30, to her note about available dates for a sit-down meeting.

OMG her name was mispronounced. The horror! But what about the typing of MONIQUE vs MONKEY? Typo? Maybe? Sloppy? Maybe? M-O-N and then I and opps K is closer to m&n than I and Q and E are only separated by W and and y&u are next to each other.

Pugh says she left the store the day of the incident and immediately called customer service. She says the general manager of the local store first contacted her and mispronounced her first name, Monique, in a voicemail.

"This is not a small complaint, it’s not like my coffee was cold or I was missing my croissant," she says. "And you couldn’t even leave a message without mispronouncing my name."

She says the manager touted his staff's diversity and cited his own Hispanic heritage when saying he understood her frustrations.

Pugh says he offered to compensate her with a free drink from Starbucks and one free sandwich.

"I declined it … because that offer felt disrespectful," she says. "It was disrespectful that he’d say as a Hispanic male he understood and then offered me that."

Pugh says the owner of the store then contacted her and apologized, only to then say the team had concluded the incident "wasn't intentional."

She says the store owner also confirmed the suspended barista, who she believes to be white and a native English speaker, had completed the company's anti-bias training.

In an email forwarded by Starbucks' corporate team to TODAY.com, Amit Sehgal from Impeccable Brands apologized to Pugh but made similar statements to Pugh's recollections.

"While we have investigated the incident and believe that our employee mistakenly labeling your cup in this way, regardless, I understand the hurt and frustration this has caused you," Sehgal wrote. "We can do better. As an immediate step, I have taken action with the employee and have addressed their behavior with them directly."

Seriously I had to use spell check to type Monique.

Sehgal also says "monkey" would not be allowed to be printed on Starbucks drink tickets and that employees would be subject to additional training.

"With these steps in place, I feel confident that we will do better and offer the warm and welcoming experience that you and all other customers expect from any of our locations in the future," Sehgal concluded in his note to Pugh. "While I know none of this will be able to take away the hurt you may have felt that day and the days following, I hope that our actions show that we take this very seriously and value what you have shared."

The Starbucks corporate spokesperson confirms to TODAY.com that the word “monkey” has been removed from their system company-wide as a possible name for an order. When asked, he says there are other “profanities” that are also not allowed to be used as names but wasn’t sure exactly which ones.

Let's be serious Chip is not hard to spell but at Starbucks it comes back Skip a lot.

Pugh told TODAY.com the whole situation has been "very overwhelming."

"And to have them apologize, but then say it was an honest mistake and a labeling error? How was that a labeling error?" she asks. "I was the only Black person in the store. And I bring it to your attention and your first thought is to argue with me?"

She says someone had emailed her boss at work to complain about her after her story appeared on other news outlets.

"(The email) said I was the reason that that Starbucks employee was fired and I should know what it’s like to be fired because of a race hoax," she says, noting that the employee wasn't actually fired. "However, I am the victim in this situation, that was written on my cup! To ask for the victim to be fired…I can’t even express to you what it felt like to hear my manager read that email aloud to me."

Pugh says she has been “traumatized” by the incident.

If you are traumatized by having your frap labeled MONKEY you need serious help.

“I think what made it worse was the events following after. It wasn’t helpful,” she says. “If anything, it hurt me even more.”

Going forward, Pugh says she still really wants to hear from the corporate team and encouraged others to "speak up."

"This whole situation, you really have to speak up because companies, they’ll pledge millions to make it seem like they’re helping people and minorities but when something like this comes up they’ll try to sweep it under the rug," she says. "It’s a hypocrisy. That’s not OK. All I have to say is that people really need to speak up, especially when they know something is wrong, when they’ve been disrespected."

For purposes of transparency. I've never ordered a venti caramel frappuccino at Starbuck or anywhere else. Coffee two creams no sugar. 

How about we stop with this finger pointing racist bs?

I have a neighbor here name is Karen. She's crazy attractive late 40's tall thin super sweet always nice to talk to and a great neighbor. But her name is Karen. Can you imagine the tremendous pain she feels ordering a venti caramel frap at Starbucks and the label on her drink says K-A-R-E-N?