Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Zachary Evan Reiken Drug Deal Goes "Bad"

The news media often describes certain crimes of violence as "drug deals that went badly". But the truth is a drug deal is already bad. 

And so is the case of Zachary Evan Reiken age 18 who had his life taken via a “drug deal gone bad” on Friday October 25 just before midnight.

According to court records just before midnight CMPD South Division officers responded to 12803 James Blakeney Avenue for an Accident with Personal Injury call.

Upon arrival, officers located a white Jeep that had crashed into a tree. Charlotte Fire and Medic also arrived and began treating a victim in the vehicle who they quickly determined was suffering from a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. The male victim was identified as Rieken.

Shortly after arrival Medic pronounced Rieken deceased at just after midnight.

CMPD Homicide Detectives spoke with witnesses, who provided video surveillance from nearby residence. 

The video footage shows the victim's vehicle, a white Jeep Wrangler with NC License Plates, impacted a tree along James Blakeney Avenue. 

Five suspects can also seen in the video footage.


Neighbors also provided this image of the suspect vehicle with the distinctive Mercedes emblem.



Three of the five suspects approach the Jeep driver’s side window. One of the approaching suspects appears to be a white male wearing red hoodie, light colored undershirt, and black shorts. 

Shortly after that another suspect dressed in a black clothing and white shoes fires single gunshot into the victim's vehicle, which at this time is in forward motion. The suspects then run back towards a white Mercedes-Benz SUV and flee the scene.

Detectives later identified a juvenile age 17 and charged him with First Degree Murder and Discharging Firearm into an Occupied Conveyance in Operation. This suspect was in possession of a blue iPhone at the time of his arrest. The phone was submitted, and forensic analysis was obtained on the phone. Detectives reviewed the phone analysis and found text messages leading up to, and just prior to the murder, between J.C. and the victim, arranging a drug transaction. 

Detectives found text messages from the juvenile. to another subject stating he was "Waitin to rob the Plug", shortly before the murder.

Additionally, Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a white, 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350, with a NC license plate. 

On 10/29/2024, detectives located the vehicle parked in front of 10012 Juniper Trace Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277. Detectives spoke with a cooperating witness, who was present during the time of the shooting. The witness stated that he knew the victim to sell marijuana, and provided that he was in communication with the victim leading up to the murder. The witness further stated that another male who he knew by the name of "Jay Banz", and another witness approached the victim's vehicle at the time of the murder. The witness stated that "Jay Banz" was in possession of a firearm at the time.


Sanjie A’Nee Johnson Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD Detectives obtained surveillance video of the witness, co-defendant, and "Jay Banz", and the suspect vehicle, just prior to the murder taking pictures in front of the suspect vehicle with the firearm. 

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, detectives spoke with witness, who was present during the time of the offense. The witness identified "Jay Banz" as the one who shot the victim.

CMPD Detectives have since identified Sanjie Johnson a black male DOB 4/8/2026 as "Jay Banz".

Sanjie Johnson aka “Jay Banz” remains in jail as the judge has again refused to grant bail. Johnson’s next court hearing is on November 22 at 1:30 PM.

The common refrain is the weed is harmless. 

A memorial service was held for Reiken on Monday in Weddington.


Reiken was just 18 when he was murdered.


Saturday, November 2, 2024

MCSO Chief Deputy Kevin Canty Resigns

Chief Deputy Canty resigned Friday, making scathing claims about Sheriff Garry McFadden. 

In his resignation letter, Chief Deputy Kevin Canty accused McFadden of “running the agency into the ground” and that it “functions like a third-world dictatorship.” 

The letter below and now posted on the FOP Facebook page is a pointed rebuke to McFadden's management style.

 







Thursday, October 31, 2024

Idiots Among Us Amanda Brooks Meeler

Some "faces" stand out in the daily Mecklenburg County Intake Center blotter because of their looks. Others stand out because they are "Frequent Flyers" like Amanda Brooke Meeler. Meeler has an impressive collection of a dozen or more classic mugshots.


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO
10/30/2024

Makes you wonder what the draw is, the accommodations or maybe it's the food?

Amanda scored with this great mugshot a few weeks ago.


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO 
10/12/2024

"Turds" to the uncaring MCSO deputy who allowed this poor girl to have her mugshot taken with only one fake eyelash. 

But her latest trouble comes from her June 2023 conviction on "Assault on an Officer" charge and 24 month suspended sentence and a probation violation. Just 24 months?

Nearly all of the charges in Mecklenburg County were dismissed by the Meck DA. 

Charges in Lincoln, Burke, Gaston, Wake are not as clear.


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO 
08/05/2024


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO

But why is an obvious violent felon given second chances again and again?

The endless list of arrests for:

FAILURE TO APPEAR
LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE FELONY
ASSUALT ON AN OFFICER
COMMUNICATING THREATS
SIMPLE ASSAULT
ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION
DWLR not Impaired
DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
ASSAULT AND BATTERY
POSSESS STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE
PROBATION VIOLATION
EXPIRED REGISTRATION CARD/TAG
RECKLESS DRIVING TO ENDANGER
INTERFERE ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICE
SHOPLIFTING
POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
LARCENY
TRESPASSING
RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
RESISTING, DELAYING or OBSTURCTING a PIBLIC OFFICER
FAILURE TO APPEAR


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO 
12/31/2023


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO 
10/23/22


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy MCSO


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
3/27/2023


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
12/10/2022


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
08/3/2024


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
04/7/2023


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
10/29/2015


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
08/21/2020


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Burke County
12/20/2020


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Burke County
10/19/2021


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Burke County
08/24//2021



Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
09/06/2022


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
10/20/2022


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
10/06/2019


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
06/29/2017


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
03/10/2017


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Gaston County
11/07/2017


Amanda Brooke Meeler Photo Courtesy Lincoln County
03/04/2018

Meeler is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Intake Center. Charges are still pending on the assault and strangulation cases.

Update Meeler was released over the weekend on an unsecured bond.

Props to all who have flooded the CP in box with her mugshots. The count is now at 3 dozen. Seriously whats to the point of posting more than 12?

Monday, October 28, 2024

Zackary Evan Rieken Murder Update November 1, 2024

On Friday night October 25, 2024 approximately 11:45 PM just before midnight suspects fired into a Jeep which immediately crashed. Immediately afterward four suspects run about 30 feet to a parked White SUV and flee the scene apparently together.

The murder was captured on a ring doorbell camera.



Neighbors also provided this image of the suspect vehicle.



Update October 29, 2024 10:54 a.m. The victim in this case has been identified as Zackary Evan Rieken, 18. 



 Zackary Evan Rieken, 18

Update An unnamed 17-year-old has been arrested in this case by the CMPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT). The juvenile is charged with Murder and Shooting into Occupied Property.

Update Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, November 1, 2024) – As a result of the continued investigation, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit have identified and charged a second suspect in connection with the murder of Zackary Evan Rieken.

On Friday, November 1, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) located and arrested Sanjie A’Nee Johnson, 18. Mr. Johnson was then transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.) to speak with detectives.


Sanjie A’Nee Johnson Photo Courtesy MCSO

At the conclusion of the interview, Mr. Johnson was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with the following:

Murder
Shooting into Occupied Property

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 Murphy 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: 20241025-2352-05.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Another South Charlotte Murder

South Charlotte proper, that area south of SouthPark, east of Pineville and west of Matthews has been rather insulated from violence, and homicides are very rare. That sense of security has disappeared. On Saturday Charlotte posted the 3rd murder since July, south of Pineville Matthews Road.

According to CMPD detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 12800 block of James Blakeney Avenue in the South Division.

On Friday, October 25, shortly before 12:00 a.m., South Division officers responded to an Accident with Injury call for service in the 12800 block of James Blakeney Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim inside of a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

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 the CMPD’s Operations Command, Victim Services, the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also assisted.

On August 13 police found Aryan Jaswal shot to death inside a vehicle.in the 14300 block of  Wynhollow Downs Lane. An unnamed 17 year old has been charged in this case.


The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department received a call on July 8 for a disabled car on Rea Road between Interstate 485 and Piper Glen Drive. There, they found the body of 36-year-old Derrick Byas.

Eric Watson Photo Courtesy MCSO

41-year-old Eric Watson was found and arrested in South Carolina with help from state investigators and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. He has been held at the Mecklenburg County Jail since July 19th.

The latest murder victim has not yet been named and no arrests have been reported.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Donald Trump is a Fascist!

You can tell by the way Trump has rigged multiple presidential elections in order to cling to power.


Trump ordered the FBI to spy on his campaign opponents based on Russian disinformation. He unleashed the full power of the deep state to persecute his political opponents based on the lie they were engaged in foreign collusion. He undermined his successor's administration for years by launching a Special Counsel investigation, which led to there being no evidence of a crime. Trump turned the press loose to attack his enemies and he bombarded them with 95% negative media coverage. Then Trump fabricated countless hoaxes. He took quotes out of context to make his opponents look racist. He compared people to Hitler based on unverifiable sources. He said they disgraced fallen soldiers. There was no end to the absurd falsehoods he spread about those who opposed him. Although nobody could verify any of these accusations, he still repeated these Big Lies over and over again. And the media dutifully repeated them until people believed they were true. When his critics tried to fight back, he censored them. He de-platformed them across the media landscape. He got them demonetized so they couldn't make a living. He got Big Tech to rig social platforms so that their views were suppressed. Trump organized "fact checkers" to call his opponents' fair and accurate statements "misinformation." He went so far as to claim that their criticism was "disinformation" and that all of his documented scandals were "conspiracy theories." Trump spent hundreds of millions in an election to put drop boxes in heavy Republican areas. He got election laws unconstitutionally changed so that they favored him. He made sure there were tens of millions of impossible-to-trace ballots that flooded the polls. And then he miraculously pulled off a number of razor-thin victories in the early hours of the morning in multiple swing states. Trump's victory defied all odds. He had not run an actual campaign and had won despite having lost historic bellwether counties across America that had been election indicators for nearly a century. When his opponents cried foul, he called them a "threat to democracy." He ensured that judges wouldn't even hear the election challenges based on the merits. Then, the media obediently said there was "no evidence" of the election being rigged. After that, Trump made sure there was no security at the Electoral College despite warnings that there would be riots. When the election objections started being heard in Congress, a violent mob conveniently attacked the capitol to disrupt them. He got his political opponent mass de-platformed in a coordinated takedown after they called for peace. When the election was certified, his opponent graciously said he would immediately step down on January 20. Nevertheless, Trump tried to get his opponent thrown out of office. He brought impeachment charges against him based on a cherry-picked political narrative. When that didn't work, he launched a massive lawfare campaign against his opponent. He got state laws changed to bring damaging civil lawsuits that cost him tens of millions of dollars. He tried to illegally get his campaign rival removed from state ballots and banned from becoming president under the 14th Amendment. He got the White House to collude with state prosecutors in New York and Georgia to have his opponent and his followers imprisoned. He had them blamed for an attack on the capitol to stop them from running for office ever again. Then he joked and laughed about having his political opponent "jailed." Trump sent an FBI raid to his opponent's home. Federal law enforcement even ransacked the former First Lady's underwear drawers. This raid was authorized despite the president being guilty of the very same crime, which was not prosecuted because he got the special prosecutor to say he was too mentally unfit to stand trial. And when that didn't work, Trump threatened to take away his opponent's Secret Service protection if he were ever to be convicted, which was tantamount to issuing a death threat. Then the Secret Service protection was actually weakened and his opponent was subjected to multiple assassination attempts. The first attempt resulted in him getting an ear wound that was inches away from killing him. The second attempt came weeks afterwards, despite assurances that Secret Service protection was being enhanced. His administration then stonewalled the assassination investigations, and the FBI refused to say what had motivated the shooters who tried to kill his opponent, although the shooters were known to be donors to activist Republican causes. Despite promises to turn down the rhetoric, Trump actually escalated his accusations against his opponents, despite the multiple assassination attempts. He compared them to Hitler, Mussolini, and Chairman Mao. He accused them of wanting to end democracy in America for good. He also orchestrated an undemocratic party "coup" after the primaries in order to get his preferred candidate on the ballot in the upcoming election. Trump was responsible for the biggest election interference campaign in U.S. history, while accusing his opponent of being a "threat to democracy." Actually, on second thought, these aren't the actions of Donald Trump. They are things that Trump's political enemies did to him.  

So, who are the actual "fascists"? 

Murder Before Sunset in Charloot? Why Not.

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 1100 block of Oaklawn Avenue in the Metro Division.


On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, shortly after 3:45 p.m., Metro Division officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with injury call for service in the 1100 block of Oaklawn Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.  The victim was pronounced deceased.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation and members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, Victim Services, the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also assisted.

The victim in this case has been identified as Carlos Leiva, 25.  The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death.