Charlotte's Homicide Count

Homicides are the most visible sign of crime in any city. 

But Charlotte and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department want you to believe that crime particularly violent crime is down.

If CMPD is to be believed Charlotte has tagged and bagged just 13 Homicide Victims in the first 7 weeks of 2026. That's 1.857 per week putting Charlotte on track for a year end total of 97. That number would exceed the reported number for 2025 but still come in less than 2024.

The truth is crime is not down and by and large Charlotte is not a safe city.

How many homicides have not been reported?

It took the department 11 days to report the murder of Michael Alexander. The shooting was reported but CMPD didn't acknowledge that the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital on arrival until an arrest was made nearly 2 weeks later.

When CMPD did announce the murder of Mr. Alexander they did so as a "Case Update" with the arrest of a suspect even though they never posted the original shooting death.

CMPD's own "Crime Mapper" on line portal doesn't show the David Cox Road Homicide of Mr. Alexander. 

What this small "slight of hand" did was give the new Police Chief the ability to stand in front of a group of Ballantyne business owners and executives on Thursday morning and tell those in attendance that crime was down in Charlotte. They of course politely applauded.

Back to the "Crime Mapper" while it doesn't show the David Cox Road homicide it does show that a January 4, 2026 Shamrock Drive "Fatal Vehicle Crash" was actually a Homicide. 

From CMPD CrimeMapper

You have to ignore the dates because they are always posted as the day before. I've asked why and have never received a coherent response.

"Due to the complex nature of our graphical data base and multiple access portals the dates must be attributed to an non compulsory time frame". 

As of yet CMPD's PIO has not given an update on the Shamrock Drive fatality or stated that is was determined to be a homicide and has failed to update the original post as such. 

CrimeMapper doesn't list the shooting death and fire at 2000 Oakdale Road that occurred on January 10, 2026. 48 year old Kebba Eileen-Lucia Woody was found inside a house that was on fire. CMPD reported this as a death investigation but local media reported that she suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Normally CMPD silence on a "death investigation" signals a suicide but suicide victims don't shoot themselves multiple times.

Which would mean YTD there have been 14 homicides. Or an average of 2 per week and a projected 104 by year end 2026. 

"Shoddy Police Work" isn't just about failing to report homicides or filling out arrest affidavits that misidentify the subject as a Black Male weighing 200 pounds when the arrestee is actually a blonde haired White Female Weighting 100 Pounds. (Below)

It's about lost evidence, and overlooked crimes. It's Officers hard work and cases dismissed because someone forget to document the file.

So what's going on here. Dishonesty or Incompetency? Both?

CMPD Just Never Happened

On February 20, 2026 more than ten days after a murder CMPD decided to announce the city's 13th homicide. 

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, Feb. 20, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the University City Division.

On Monday, February 9, at approximately 12:33 a.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 3500 block of David Cox Road.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim, Michael Alexander, 45, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound. MEDIC transported Mr. Alexander to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. At the hospital, Mr. Alexander succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

As a result of the continued investigation, homicide detectives identified Mehki Randle, 19, as a suspect in connection to this case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and North Tryon Division officers located and arrested Mr. Randle.

Randle was transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to be interviewed by homicide detectives. At the conclusion of this interview, Mr. Randle was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Randle is charged with the following:
Murder
Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
First Degree Kidnapping
Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
Felony Conspiracy

The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death and this arrest.

Mehki Royce Randle Photo Courtesy MCSO

The question is why did CMPD wait ten days to announce the homicide investigation or name the victim of this murder?

How is it that a major American city can sit on a murder for nearly two weeks before letting the taxpayers and citizens know that there has been a homicide? 

Is a City Government and Police Department that continually tries to convince the public that crime is down is covering up murders? Perhaps, but why?

CMPD Affidavit

On February 9th, 2026, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to 3509 David Cox Road in reference to an Assault with cea Deadly Weapon call for service. Upon arrival, officers located male, identified as Michael Alexander, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Alexander was transported to Atrium Main, where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives spoke with Christopher Jones who was with Alexander. Jones advised that at least two suspects exited black vehicle and confronted him and the victim. Jones stated that one suspect pointed firearm at him and patted him down. Jones stated that the suspects told Alexander to "get

in the car" and Alexander

refused. scuffle ensued as the suspects attempted to get Alexander into the car. During the scuffle, Alexander was shot, and the suspects fled in black sedan.

Detectives determined that the victim's keys to his vehicle and apartment had been taken from his person

during the incident.

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle as black 2020 Mercedes A220 registered to Mehki Royce Randle, DOB 07/17/2006. This vehicle matches the vehicle observed on surveillance footage of the incident. 

Additionally, the movements of Randle's vehicle matches the movements of the suspect vehicle observed on surveillance footage and traffic cameras. Further data shows Randle's vehicle leaves Charlotte at approximately 02:52 PM EST on February 9, 2026, and drives to Randle's registered address at 5808 Cam Lane, Grovetown, GA.

Detectives identified phone number linked to Randle through law enforcement databases. Phone records show Randle at the scene of the homicide when it occurs. Phone records also match the movements of the Mercedes both before and after the crime occurred.

Based on this evidence, detectives are charging Randle with First Degree Murder, Robbery with Dangerous Weapon, Attempted Robbery with Dangerous Weapon, First Degree Kidnapping, and Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery.

Randle is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center without bond.

The Plaza Road Rage?

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has charged James Calvin Rothwell, Jr. of Laurinburg, South Carolina with killing Sean Brandon Mason on The Plaza yesterday. 

What led up to the road rage incident is detailed below and beyond murder Rothwell is also charged with shooting into 2 other cars. 

Obviously this could have been a triple homicide.

I'm sorry but these sort of people are crazy. 

And still Charlotte's Mayor Vi Lyles reminds you that "By and large Charlotte is a safe city".

James Calvin Rothwell Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD Affidavit

On February 19th, 2026, at 4:26pm, officers in the Hickory Grove division responded to 7401 The Plaza in reference to an Assault with Deadly Weapon call for service. 

Officers located the victim, who had crashed his car into nearby business. The victim was pronounced deceased at 4:32hrs.

Detectives interviewed several witnesses who gave consistent statements. Witnesses advised that gray car and white car were side by side in the parking lot of the Food Lion. The driver of the gray car shot into the white car multiple times. After the shooting, the white car drove through the parking lot, crossed the street, and crashed into nearby business.

The suspect, James Calvin Rothwell Jr., stated he was traveling inbound on The Plaza when he encountered the victim, who was driving recklessly in traffic. He stated the victim was driving white car and tried to pass him several times. 

As they traveled on The Plaza, they passed school where Mecklenburg County Sheriff Deputy was directing traffic. Rothwell stated he told the Deputy the victim was acting crazy, and he thought he had gun. 

Rothwell stated the Deputy let traffic go, and he proceeded forward. The victim made left into the Food Lion parking lot, and Rothwell also made the left. 

He passed the victim, who made right shoulder gesture, and who was pulled off on the left side of the parking lot. Rothwell stated he pulled up to the front of the store so he could let his girlfriend out. His girlfriend exited the car, and he turned to go up one of the lanes in the parking lot.

Rothwell stated he heard the victim's car coming up near him, so he got his gun out from under the driver's mat. 

The victim pulled up next to him and said, "What's up now, fat boy?" Rothwell stated the victim made gesture with his right shoulder. He thought the victim was going to shoot him, so he shot at the victim to neutralize the threat. 

Rothwell at no point saw the victim with gun. He stated he saw the victim drive his car and crash into the nearby building, but he did not call 911.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from cameras in the Food Lion parking lot. It showed female exiting the suspect's vehicle. The victim's vehicle approaches on the driver's side of the suspect vehicle. The suspect puts his window down and fires multiple times into the victim's vehicle,

Two other occupied vehicles were struck when the suspect opened fire. Responding Officer believes there is probable cause to charge James Rothwell Jr with the Murder of Sean Mason and three counts of SIOV.

Date Night Death Night In Charloot

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 700 block of Lawton Road in the Freedom Division.

On Sunday, February 15, shortly after 6 a.m., officers responded to a Check the Welfare call for service in the 700 block of Lawton Road.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim who had sustained apparent trauma. MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on scene. According to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) Tabulon Debreshea Reece, 33 was murdered sometime early on Monday morning before 6:06 am.

Within 24 hours CMPD Officer were able to identify the killer is Nicholas Jordan Gandy, 37.

Nicholas Jordan Gandy, 37 4:37 am 2/16/2026 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Gandy was taken in to police custody at 4:35 am on Sunday February 15, 2026 charged with second degree trespassing in an unrelated matter and released on an "unsecured" $500 bond at 7:37 am.

Released thinking he had gotten away with murder.

But the victim had posted a video to snapchat at midnight dressed in the same clothes she was found in on the side of the road and Gandy is seen in the video.

So apparently sometime between midnight and 4:35 am Sunday Gandy decided he was going to end the relationship. Shot Reece and dumped her body onto Lawton Road. 

Then he drove to Old Dowd Road where he was arrested by CMPD on the unrelated matter. CMPD Officers it seems didn't notice the pool of blood in the passenger area of his car. 

He was apparently arrested, charged and released while CMPD Officers were conducting a crime scene investigation just a few miles away.

Nicholas Jordan Gandy, 37 8:30 am 2/16/2026 Photo Courtesy MCSO

As a result of the continued investigation, detectives identified Nicholas Jordan Gandy, 37, as a suspect in connection to this case and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Monday, February 16, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) located Gandy and arrested him. Gandy was transported to the Law Enforcement Center and charged with Murder.

Gandy is a habitual criminal with a long arrest record, as many as  a dozen prior arrests mostly traffic and misdemeanors. 

Some of Gandy's Priors:

INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD

STATUTORY RAPE OF CHILD <=15

SECOND DEGREE TRESPASS 2 Counts  

FICTITIOUS INFORMATION TO OFFICER 2 Counts

MISDEMEANOR LARCENY 2 Counts

DWLR NOT IMPAIRED REV 2 Counts

DR/ALLOW REG PLATE NOT DISPLAY 2 Counts

ASSAULT ON A FEMALE 4 Counts

INJURY TO REAL PROPERTY 2 Counts

CMPD Affidavit

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 0606 hours CMPD officers responded to 741 Lawton Road in reference to Check the Welfare call for service in which the 911 caller stated that there was subject lying on the ground and not moving. 

The victim, Tabulon DeBreshea Reece (Reece) (B/F, 09/29/1992), was located off the roadway and found to have gunshot wound to the head. Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) pronounced the victim deceased at 0621 hours. 

Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Search were requested and responded to the scene.

Detectives spoke with the victim's family members who advised that she was last known to be with her long-time boyfriend, Nicholas Jordan Gandy (Gandy) (B/M, 06/25/1988), and that they went to a club off North Graham Street in Charlotte, NC. 

The victim's family stated that she left in her Honda Accord. The victim's family members advised that Gandy returned to the victim's residence after the murder, advised that Gandy told them that the victim had his vehicle and he had the victim's car.

The family members advised that Gandy drives goldish Lexus, four door sedan with tinted windows. That vehicle was not located with the victim when she was found.

Detectives observed on the victim's Snapchat account, story posted by the victim around 0000 hours at club wearing the same outfit she was found in. Gandy is seen with her on the video.

Detectives spoke with the victim's family, who advised that her cell. phone number was ***-***-**** with Verizon. 

Detectives reviewed the victim's cell phone data on the night of the murder and found that her cell phone was pinging in the area of 741 Lawton Road, 10240 Old Dowd Road, and North Graham Street.

Detectives discovered that Gandy was arrested on February 15, 2026, at 10240 Old Dowd Road, Charlotte, NC, which is an Amazon Distribution Center, at 0435 hours for an unrelated incident. 

Detectives searched the tow file and discovered that 2004 Lexus ES 330 was towed by Trust Towing and-Recovery from the Amazon Distribution Center off Old Dowd Road at 0707 hours. 

Detectives responded to Trust Towing and Recovery located at 5416 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road and located a Beige 2004 Lexus ES 330, VIN: JTHBA30G645022225

In the tow yard. Detectives observed blood inside the vehicle and Discharged Cartridge Casing (DCC) on the driver's side floorboard. Detectives observed an ID card belonging to Gandy hanging from the rearview mirror.

Based on the facts obtained during the investigation, there is probable cause that a-Murder occurred and Nicholas Jordan Gandy (Gandy) (B/M, 06/25/1992) committed these offenses.

The Killing Fields Charlotte Streets

We apparently like killing pedestrians in Charlotte

Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 7:34 p.m., officers responded to an accident with personal injury call for service near the 7700 block of North Tryon Street. 

Bernard "Concrete" Johnson, 65 Photo Facebook

Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive pedestrian, Bernard Johnson, 65, in the middle of the roadway and a grey Infiniti stopped on the right shoulder of the road. Charlotte Fire and MEDIC responded to the scene and pronounced Mr. Johnson deceased.

The driver of the Infiniti was treated for minor injuries and released.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Johnson was attempting to cross the 7700 block of North Tryon St. outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by the Infiniti.

The driver of the Infiniti was screened for impairment and determined to not be impaired. It is unknown if speed was a factor at the time of the collision.

Friday, February 6th, 2026, shortly before 7 p.m., officers, CFD and MEDIC responded to the 3900 block of The Plaza reference to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle.            

Upon arrival a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder was located stopped in the roadway in the right lane. The driver, Leroy Linton Smith, 39, remained on scene.

Anthony Enrique Stewart, 65

Anthony Enrique Stewart, 65, was located unresponsive in the east bound lanes of The Plaza. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Stewart deceased on scene.

Speed and impairment are not suspected as contributing factors for Mr. Smith. 

Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m. officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, CFD and MEDIC responded to the 4300 block of Central Avenue reference to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle. 

A Chevrolet Express Van was located stopped in the roadway in the right lane of the northwest direction of travel lanes of Central Avenue. The driver, Jose Marcos Cornejo Basoalto, 69, remained on scene.

Tavaris Crouch, 48 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Tavaris Demell Crouch, 48, was located unresponsive in the left lane of Central Avenue further back from the Chevrolet. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Crouch deceased on scene.

Speed does not appear to be a contributing factor for this collision. Mr. Cornejo Basoalto was screened for impairment, and he was found not to be impaired. Impairment is unknown for Mr. Crouch and is pending the toxicology report.

Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 1 a.m. officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, CFD and MEDIC responded to the 8600 block of Harrisburg Road reference to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle. 

A Honda Accord was located stopped at the intersection of Harrisburg Road and 1st Run Court. The driver, Tony Derell Hawk, 42, remained on scene.

Eric Neigenfind, 37 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Eric Neigenfind, 37, was located unresponsive, slightly off the roadway to the right near the curb at the intersection. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Neigenfind deceased on scene.

Mr. Hawk was screened for impairment, and he was found not to be impaired. 

Sunday February 1, 2026 Shortly after midnight CMPD Officers responded to a pedestrian being struck in the 2800 block of Freedom Drive. 

Deanna Moore was pronounced deceased at the scene shortly afterward.  

Deanna Moore Photo Courtesy MCSO 

CMPD located the vehicle and driver shortly afterward.

Yolanda Brown age 26, now faces charges of:

Felony Death by Vehicle, Felony Hit and Run and Felony Possession of Cocaine. 

Yolanda Brown age 26 Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD PIO Short Staffed or Incompetency?

Charlotte's first homicide of 2026 went unsolved for nearly 6 weeks or so the public was led to believe. 

Interestingly enough the suspect Taylen Jermon Barbour age 21 was charged with the murder of Kishmere Wright on January 27th, 3 weeks after the shooting took place. CMPD issued an update announcing the arrest on Friday February 1, 2026.

So why did it take CMPD 17 days before making a formal statement? Are they short staffed or just incompetent?  Or what are they hiding?

Taylen Jermon Barbour Age 21 Photo Courtesy MCSO

With a new Police Chief comes continued lack of transparency, deepening obfuscation and shameless promotion of Vi Lyles “by and large Charlotte is a safe city” mantra, that she put into play after the violent stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska. 

Just proves how far Charlotte has fallen under the guidance of liberal politicians.

The courts and the DA we know are a train wreck. Barbour had more than 2 dozen arrests more the 60 charges when he committed this murder.

Despite dozens of dismissed cases he was finally convicted in 2023 then 3 more convictions all resulting in probation. Finally the fifth auto theft resulted in jail time of 8 months, once released a probation violation resulted in additional active time of 9 months. Finally released from jail on September 28, 2025. He simply progressed from simple shoplifting to ever more violent crimes. A totally predictable pattern we see again and again.

Kissmere Wright Age 24 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Kishmere Wright was jailed in January of 2025 and again in May of 2025 he was convicted on weapons violations and the drug charges were dismissed. He was sentenced to unsupervised probation by Mecklenburg County Judge Roy Wiggins in August of last year.

Both their records once again providing incarceration saves lives. 

CMPD Charging Affidavit

On Monday January 5, 2026, at approximately 7:04pm, officers from the Metro Division responded to the 3000 block of Carol Avenue in reference to an assault with deadly weapon with injury call for service. When officers arrived, they located the victim, Kishmere Wright, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at 7:19pm hours by Medic 25.

This case is being investigated as homicide under complaint numbers 2026-0105-1904-00.

Witness at the location stated the victim received phone call, and he was overheard telling someone he was coming outside. The victim goes outside and is shot short time later.

The last call the victim received was from This person is listed in the victim's phone as "Trouble".

A search of the victim's phone showed him in constant communication with the number.

The victim started sharing his live location with that number about 40 minutes before the incident.

The victim receives call from that number at 6:39pm, and he is overheard saying that he was coming outside and that he had some weed.

On, January 8th, 2026, Detectives requested call detail records (CDRs)

On, January 23rd, Detectives received an anonymous tip stating that the shooter was Taylen Barbour, B/M 7/25/2004, and his phone number was (Redacted). The tipster confirmed that Barbour's nickname was Trouble".

On January 23rd, Detectives received the call detail records for (Redacted).

The records detail numerous correspondences to Taylen Barbour. Additionally the location data shows movement towards the victim's location once he started sharing his live location with (Redacted) The location placed the phone in the vicinity of the scene when the victim received his last phone call.

Taylen Barbour was charged and convicted of Larceny of Motor Vehicle on 4/2023.

Detectives believe there is probable cause to charge Taylen Barbour with Possession of Firearm by Felon and the Murder of Kishmere Wright.

Izzy Baker - Stand by Your Man

Isabel Hope Baker Photo Courtesy MCSO

I have to admit I was wrong about Isabel Hope Baker. I figured just another overly drunk on tequila blonde arrested on a Sunday night.

Actually this girl gets props for protecting her male "friend" who was driving her Ford Bronco.

Seems during Charlotte's epic snow fall two weeks ago 4 wheeling in the snow called for some "off-road" fun and why not tear up and much maligned RBP uptown? After all the open air homeless shelter and banger shooting arcade couldn't get any worse could it? Well how about $50,000 worth of damage worse?

Izzy's arrest warrant:

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did wantonly damage, injure and destroy real property, grass, piping, irrigation system, sprinkler system etc. the property of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.

Seems Ms. Baker's Ford Bronco was doing "donuts" in the park causing a lot of damage while she was a passenger and an unknown male was driving.

According to CMPD: CMPD officers and detectives reviewed city cameras and were able to observe dark grey/charcoal colored Ford Bronco enter the park at two Separate times-12:40am and 1:10am, make circular tracks in the snow, commonly referred to as "donuts" and leave. 

Then observed the vehicle enter the main entry way of The Catalyst Apartments and proceed to the parking deck. This vehicle-2022 Ford Bronco is registered to the defendant Isabel Hope Baker, however it was apparent from the video that an unknown male subject was operating her vehicle. 

Attempted to speak with Ms. Baker to inquire about who was driving her vehicle. However, she refused to provide information about the driver, but did confirm she owns the 2022 Ford Bronco.

Which all begs the question what kind of guy lets the girl go to jail for his actions?

CMPD Charging Affidavit 

On Monday morning February 2, 2026 the director of Parks and Recreation of Mecklenburg County notified CMPD that an unknown vehicle drove through Romare Bearden Park creating donuts and causing approximately $50,000 in damage. 

CMPD officers and detectives reviewed city cameras and were able to observe dark grey/charcoal colored Ford Bronco enter the park at two Separate times-12:40am and 1:10am, make circular tracks in the snow, commonly referred to as "donuts" and leave. 

The vehicle is observed entering the driveway area of the Catalyst Apartments next door to the park. Officer J. Nivens #5198 made contact with the property manager of The Catalyst Apartments who allowed me to view video footage from their camera's vantage point. 

Observed the vehicle enter the main entry way and proceed to the parking deck. was then shown camera footage of the vehicle entering the parking deck bearing SC registration WED-528. This vehicle-2022 Ford Bronco is registered to the defendant Isabel Hope Baker, however it was apparent from the video that an unknown male subject was operating her vehicle. 

Attempted to speak with Ms. Baker ta inquire about who was driving her vehicle. However, she refused to provide information about the driver, but did confirm she owns the 2022 Ford Bronco.

A search warrant was drafted for the vehicle and it has been searched and seized. During the search warrant of the vehicle which was still parked in the parking deck, additional cameras were located. was provided with the additional surveillance footage showing this vehicle returning to the parking deck and parking at approximately 1:11am.

The subjects in the vehicle exited the vehicle at approximately 1:12am. Ms. Baker observed exiting the driver's side rear passenger seat. Based on the time frame of the vehicle entering Romare Bearden Park causing damage. exiting the park, and entering the parking deck and exiting the vehicle after being parked, is evident that Ms. Baker was in the vehicle at the time of this incident. 

Having knowledge that the crime was occurring and allowing her vehicle to be used in the intentional injury to real property at Romare Bearden Park. I am seeking charges for Injury to Real Property (principle aid and abet).

As requested: