South Charlotte Murder Suspects Pled Guilty Get Less Than 10 years Average

According to a local media reports Thursday was the end of a year and a half wait for justice in the murder of Zackary Rieken.

Zackary Rieken Age 18 Photo Courtesy Gun Violence Memorial

The 18 year old was murdered in South Charlotte near the Blakeney Shopping Center off of Rea Road in an area that was once considered void of violent crime.

On the fifth floor of the Mecklenburg County courthouse, family members filled a room on Thursday as three young men pled guilty to a teenager’s murder from eighteen months earlier.

Zackary Rieken was shot on Oct. 26, 2024 in south Charlotte during what prosecutors say was a marijuana deal that turned into a deadly robbery.

In doorbell camera video of the murder, a gunshot is heard before the car Rieken is driving crashes. Four people are seen running and get into a car that leaves the scene; Rieken was pronounced dead of a single gunshot wound.

“He mattered,” his mother told Judge Carla Archie through tears. “His life mattered. He was just 18.”

The three men charged in his murder were teenagers at the time, prosecutors said Sanjie Johnson, then 18, pulled the trigger; he pled guilty to 2nd-degree murder and was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years.

Sanjie Johnson Photo Courtesy MCSO 

Jeremiah Childers, then 17, helped set up the deal, prosecutors said. He also pled guilty to 2nd-degree murder and got a minimum of about 10.5 years.

Jeremiah Childers Photo Courtesy MCSO 

Prosecutors said Maximillian Ruggiero, 18, both helped set up the deal and drove the getaway car.

Maximillian Ruggiero Photo Courtesy MCSO

“I am going to urge you that for the rest of your days on this planet you find a way to honor the life that you helped take,” Judge Archie told Ruggiero. “Because you knew him.”

Maximillian Ruggiero pled guilty to a lesser charge, and a shorter minimum sentence: 5.5 years.

“I have very little anger for these boys, and that’s what they are: boys in men’s bodies,” Zackary’s father said in court. “The sentence we’re talking about here, 5 years? It’s not justice. It’s mercy."

(CP Note: Ruggiero and the others will get credit for the 16 months they have already spent in jail. Meaning Ruggiero will be back on the streets in a little more than 3 years.)

Childer’s mother was also in court and spoke publicly to the judge, expressing her sorrow to Zackary’s family.

“A lot of lives have been lost today,” she said.

But she said she had unanswered questions about her son’s sentence compared to Ruggiero’s -- as well as why only three people, of the four people seen on camera getting into the getaway car, were ultimately charged in the case.

“My son does take accountability and is responsible for being there,” she said. “But I just think it is sad that Zackary had to lose his life due to all this, and that everybody that was involved is not being charged.”

(CP Note: The thug who wasn't charged is the one who cooperated with CMPD and ID'd the others. His name has been redacted from the court records. His statement to police was he didn't know the others were going to rob Rieken. He is the cooperating witness)

Zackary was killed just four months after he graduated high school, his mother said. She described him as full of life, loving music and laughter.

“The truth is I don’t know how to do life without my son. Even the simplest question, ‘How many children do you have?’ now takes the wind out of me.”

Cedar's Take: Childer's mother is an idiot. They each should have been given life sentences. Even a second degree murder charge carries a penalty of 40 years. Her POS Spawn will be out in 9 years. She should be on her knees thanking a liberal judge and a spineless DA who allowed him to pled to just two charges. 

Every one of these POS will be back on the streets before Rieken would have turned 30 and celebrated is second child's 1st Easter. All Carla Archie's sentence does is tell thugs in Charlotte you can kill someone and "if you get caught" your time is easy. 

CMPD Charging Affidavit:

1.) On Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2352 hours, South Division officers responded to 12803 James Blakeney Avenue for an Accident with Personal Injury,

in which vehicle crashed into tree. Officers arrived on. scene, and Medic was on scene treating the victim. Medic found that the victim was suffering from gunshot wound

to his left shoulder. The victim, Zackary Evan Rieken (Zackary) (w/M 04/07/2006), was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic 64, Medic Tyler Mitchell, at 0005 hours.

2.) Detectives are conducting Murder investigation in violation of N.C.G.S. 417 under CMPD Report 20241025-2352-05.

3.) Detectives spoke with witness, who provided video surveillance from nearby residence. The video footage shows the victim' vehicle, white Jeep Wrangler with NC License Plate TKI5474, parked along James Blakeney Avenue. 

Five suspects are seen in the video footage. Three of the five suspects approach the victim's driver's side window. One of the suspects that approaches the victim' vehicles white male wearing red hoodie, light colored undershirt, and black shorts. Shortly after, suspect in all black clothing and white shoes, fires single gunshot into the victim's vehicle, which is in motion. 

The suspects then run back to a white Mercedes-Benz SUV, which has sunroof and silver roof rack; and flee the scene.

4.) Detectives identified juvenile J.C. (J.C.) (17) and charged him with First Degree Murder and Discharging Barreled Weapon or Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling or Occupied Conveyance in Operation. The suspect was in possession of 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 drug transaction. Detectives found text message from J.C. to another subject stating he was "Waitin to rob the Plug", shortly before the murder.

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

LCB1898, and VIN: 4JGDA5JB8DA258385. On 10/29/2024, detectives found the vehicle parked in front of 10012 Juniper Trace Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277. 

Detectives spoke with cooperating witness, who was present during the time of the offense. The witness stated that he knew the victim to sell marijuana, and he provided JC with the victim's information, because JC wanted to purchase marijuana from the victim. The witness stated that was in communication with the victim leading up to the murder. 

The witness 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 firearm at the time.

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

7.) Detectives identified Sanjie Johnson (B/M, 04/08/2006) as "Jay Banz".

8.) Based on the facts obtained during the investigation, there is probable cause that First Degree Murder and Discharging Barreled Weapon or Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling or Occupied Conveyance in Operation occurred and Sanjie Johnson (B/M, 04/08/2006) committed these offenses.

Sanjie Johnson

1. SECOND DEGREE MURDER

Superior Guilty - Judge

2. DIS WEAP OCC DWELL/MOVING VEH

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

3. ATT ROBBERY-DANGEROUS WEAPON

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

4. CONSP ROBBERY DANGRS WEAPON

Superior Guilty - Judge

Jeremiah Childers

1. SECOND DEGREE MURDER

Superior Guilty - Judge

2. CONSP ROBBERY DANGRS WEAPON

Superior Guilty - Judge

Maximillian Ruggiero

1. FIRST DEGREE MURDER

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

2. ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

3. CONSP ROBBERY DANGRS WEAPON

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

4. DIS WEAP OCC DWELL/MOVING VEH

VD-Superior Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - Per Plea Agreement

5. ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT TO 2ND DEGREE MURDER (B2)

Superior Guilty - Judge

How Charlotte Murder Vics Get "Un" Murdered

In Charlotte an odd thing happens on a regular basis. People are murdered and then, they get unmurdered. 

Charlotte homicides are like trains they come and go.

A year ago Alexis Reneee Legrande was murdered. But then by the end of the month her murder didn't count.

From the local media:

 A woman died Saturday after she was found shot in northwest Charlotte.

Alexis Renee Legrande, age 29

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers responded to Old Mount Holly Road near Aqua Chem Drive around 11 a.m. to help Medic with a call. The woman was dealing with a medical issue and was taken to a hospital. However, it was discovered when she arrived for treatment she had a gunshot wound to her chest.

The woman later died. Late in the evening Saturday, family members and loved ones identified her as Alexis Renee Legrande.

Legrande's mother told WCNC Charlotte that she is praying for justice for her daughter. She remembers Legrande as someone who always made people laugh, and had a beautiful smile, she said. 

Court records show Kenneth Darnell Reid was arrested on Saturday in connection to Legrande's death. He was appointed a public defender during his first court appearance on Monday. 

Kenneth Darnell Reid age 50 Photo Courtesy MCSO

An affidavit obtained on Monday reveals more about what may have happened that day. Reid told CMPD officers that a gun went off "once or twice," hitting Legrande during a "tussle" over the gun. 

Reid said he then dropped the gun, asked his girlfriend to hold it, and said he choked Legrande after she had been shot, according to the court document.

Detectives found evidence at the scene that suggested multiple rounds were fired, police said in the affidavit.

The woman described as Reid's girlfriend, Blake Edwards, was also in court on Monday after being arrested on accessory charges. She was given a $40,000 bond.

Edwards helped Reid by "witnessing the murder, and then assisted in cleaning the scene and took the firearm to an unknown location," a separate affidavit states. 

Reid had cleaned up the scene and put his bloody clothing in the washing machine after Medic left with Legrande that night, he told police. 

Reid will remain in custody as the case continues. He is expected to be back in court on March 21. 

Additionally Reid's girlfriend Blake Edwards was charged as an accessory after the fact.

Blake Edwards Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD Affidavit:

On March 1, 2025, at approximately 1113 hours, Freedom Division officers responded to 6116 Old Mount Holly Road in reference to an assist medic call for service. 

The victim, Alexis Legrande, was transported to Atrium in cardiac arrest. Alexis was pronounced deceased at 1212 hours by Dr. Rall Hospital Staff notified officers that they located possible GSW to the victim's torso

Homicide Detectives were requested to respond to the scene and the hospital.

Detectives processed the victim at the hospital and observed an apparent close contact GSW to the victim's left torso just under her breast.

Detectives conducted voluntary interview with Kenneth Reid at the LEC. Mr. Reid lives at the residence and was present when first responders arrived on scene to transport the victim

He stated the victim was acting out, acting erratic, and swinging pole at him. He stated he went to get a gun to stop her from acting out. According to Mr. Reid the victim dropped the pole and proceeded to physically tussle with him over the firearm. 

Mr. Reid stated that the gun went off one or two times and he and the victim fell to the ground. He dropped the firearm on the floor and told his girlfriend, Blake, to pick up the gun. 

He then "choked" the victim out until she stopped fighting.

Detectives found evidence at the scene to suggest that multiple rounds were fired. Mr. Reid continued and said they after medic left with the victim, he cleaned up the initial scene and placed his bloody clothing in washer machine.

Reid was initially charged with Attempted Murder, and Felon in possession a gun. The First Degree Murder Charge was added after his booking on the attempted murder charge.

But on March 26 Mecklenburg County ADA Jennifer Mills dismissed the First Degree Murder charge, saying "There is insufficient evidence to warrant prosecution for the following reasons:

Detectives had probable cause to believe Defendant committed murder at the time they sought and obtained an arrest warrant against him for murder. Thereafter, detectives obtained additional information as result of continued investigation. Given this additional information, probable cause no longer exists for murder and the State is dismissing the murder charge based on that additional information. 

The Defendant remains charged with attempted murder and possession of firearm by convicted felon at this time. As the case remains pending, the State cannot comment further at this time.

Reid was held without bond until May 2, 2025, when he was granted bond based to the dismissed murder charge. His bond was set at $120,000 secured.

On March 26, 2026 there will a "Scheduling Conference" set for 2:01 PM in 

Courtroom 5310 on the outstanding Attempted Murder Charge and Felon with a gun charge.

Since then the murder of Alexis Legrande has been removed from CMPD's 2025 crime report. 

Of the 27 homicides reported during the first quarter of 2025, seven of those have been removed from the official count. 

The reasons for changing a murder, to a death vary from suicide to justified, but when a murder does actually take place, in this case she clearly didn't shoot herself, then why remove the incident. Why back the number up just because the odds of getting a conviction are not a slam dunk?

And can you be guilty of Attempted Murder but not murder even if the person you attempted to murder died?

Lesbian Kills Her Partner Creates A Stink

Troubling details are emerging after a woman accused of killing someone inside an east Charlotte apartment faced a judge for the first time Thursday.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, what began as a welfare check Tuesday afternoon became homicide investigation.

Officers say they were called to Central Avenue in Charlotte after a caller reported someone inside an apartment might be dead.

Court documents reveal a DoorDash driver had arrived at the apartment and was told someone inside the home was dead.

When officers entered the apartment, investigators say they discovered a woman’s body hidden inside a closet, behind a door and covered with several towels. Police say the victim’s body had already begun decomposing.

Detectives later arrested 23-year-old Lhis Brito-Costa early Wednesday and charged her with first degree murder.

According to court records, Brito-Costa told investigators she had been in a relationship with the victim and allegedly shot the woman after learning the victim was involved with someone else.

During a first appearance hearing at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, a judge ordered Brito-Costa to remain in custody without bond while the case moves forward.

Officials also confirmed that an ICE detainer has been placed on Brito-Costa. Authorities have not released additional details about the detainer.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that according to CMDP Brito-Costa is deaf and speaks only Portuguese. Which would make her most likely an illegal immigrant from Brazil.

CMPD Officer Affidavit:

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 1637 hours, CMPD Eastway Division Officers responded to a check the welfare call for service at 4343 Central Avenue, Apt. D. 

The unknown victim (female) was located deceased and pronounced by an officer on scene at 1712 hours. Detectives are working on positively identifying the victim.

Detectives and Crime Scene responded and collected evidence at the scene. The victim was located covered up inside the closet in one of the bedrooms in the apartment. 

Detectives spoke with the residents, Maye (H/F), Avalos (H/M), and Brito (H/F). Maye stated that Avalos is her fiancé and that they have five children together. She stated Brito and the victim have been living with them for the past month: helping out with the kids and they are currently in relationship. 

Maye noticed that there was a bad odor in the house for few days, but did not know where it was coming from. 

Brito told Maye and Avalos that her uncle had killed the victim, but when Detectives interviewed Brito, she confessed to killing Evelyn because she was angry that Evelyn was cheating on her. 

Brito admitted to shooting the victim in the head, covering her body, and placing her in the closet.

This Detective is seeking a charge on Lhis Brito Costa (H/F DOB 04/25/2002) for 1st degree murder.

Cedar Update:

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police have ID'd the victim as Evelin Carolina Enamorado-Cisnado age 26.

ICE issued a formal detainer on Lhis Brito Costa on March 11, 2026.

Ta'anaezah Austin Attempted Murder of CMPD Officer

Tanaezah Austin the black woman who tried to run over a white CMPD Officer responding to a street take over, was released from the Mecklenburg County Jail at 2:49 am this morning.

Ta'anaezah Austin Photo Courtesy MCSO

Despite being charged with AWDW on a government official and her prior arrests she was was given only a $3,000 cash bond by magistrate Williams-McNair.

Typically a bondsman and $300 would be enough to gain her release.

Austin will have a court hearing at 1:30 this afternoon.

According to CMPD's Affidavit:

On March 1st, 2026, at approximately 0325 hours, Officers responded to traffic control call for service in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter located at 4701 Smith Farm Road.

A Call comments advised that several vehicles were doing donuts in the parking lot.

Upon arrival, officers encountered street takeover and attempted to get the vehicles to leave the parking lot. During this time, Officers attempted to get out with several of the vehicles and participants in the street takeover event. 

Officer was out of his vehicle and approached black Kia Optima (NC LKJ8903) as it was attempting to leave the parking lot. The driver stopped the vehicle, and (the) Officer began to walk in front of the vehicle to approach it from the driver's side. As he walked in front of the vehicle, the driver then began to accelerate rapidly and struck Officer causing him to roll over the hood of the vehicle. It is important to note, Officer was in his CMPD uniform and was giving the driver verbal commands to stop prior to being stuck by the vehicle. 

Officer was standing directly in front of the vehicle prior to being struck and could be clearly seen by the driver.

Officer was then able to call out the vehicle's tag as it was driving out of the parking lot.

Based on the vehicle's tag, Officer was able to positively identify the registered owner as the driver of the vehicle.

Officer was transported to the hospital for his injuries.

Cedar's Take:

Oddly MCSO listed the arrest as "See Paperwork for Charge" and CMPD's PIO offered nothing but crickets. 

Had the Officer used deadly force to stop the threat you can imagine the endless coverage by the CMPD PIO and Local Media. But because only the Officer was injured silence. 

The bond was shockingly low and I'm sure the suspect has not a clue how close she came to becoming a cause for protest. Maybe a judge will revoke her bond and set one more appropriate for the charges?

Illegals Are Being Removed Juan Way or Another

Four illegal aliens are in ICE custody after being arrested at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Tuesday. Those in ICE custody have been identified as 

Elder Andrade Nascimento

Charged with assault on a female

ON 09/14/2025 AROUND 1830 HOURS, THE DEFENDANT GRABBED AND SQUEEZED THE VICTIM'S UPPER ARMS WITH HIS HANDS LEAVING VISIBLE BRUISES AND BOTH ARMS AFTER AN ARGUMENT ABOUT INFIDELITY. THE DEFENDANT ALSO DAMAGED THE VICTIM'S PINK IPHONE 15 BY THROWING IT ON THE GROUND AFTER GOING THROUGH THE PHONE.

Gerson Molina

On 11/8/2025 at approximately 1504 hours responded to juvenile abuse call for service. The victim who is under the age of 18 but over the age of 15, and referred to as A. V. (First and last initial), stated that she was walking to meet friend when the defendant drove down the road near where she was walking and started to harass her about not being in school. The victim stated that she had permission from her mother to not be in school. The victim stated that the defendant got out of the truck and struck her 3-5 times with belt while she was standing on the sidewalk in front of McClintock Middle School (1925 Rama Rd). observed photos provided by the DSS social worker who notified police of the incident, showing significant bruising to the victim's left hip as well as minor bruising to the victim's right calf and left shoulder. 

The victim's mother also advised that she had received call from the defendant prior to the assault and the defendant told the victim's mother that he would beat the victim on behalf of the mother for skipping school. The mother stated that she had given permission for the victim to skip school and advised the suspect not to touch the victim. The victim's mother than stated that short time later the victim called her and told her the defendant was following her down the street harassing her and then she heard the defendant beating the victim over the phone. The defendant is currently married to the victim's mother who is seeking divorce. The defendant has lived with the victim as guardian for the past 13 years. The defendant is the victim's stepfather am seeking charges for misd. crime of DV and assault on female since the victim is older than 15 and misd child abuse elements are not met. 

Nestor Ponce Rivas

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
MISDEMEANOR CHILD ABUSE    
MISDEMEANOR CHILD ABUSE    
RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER
OPEN CONT AFTER CONS ALC 1ST
RECKLESS DRVG-WANTON DISREGARD
DWLR IMPAIRED REV

Alfredo Xocua-Xitlama. 

The defendant was observed by this R/O operating white Ford Van on Hickory Grove Rd. The defendant was stopped no tag light. The defendant had red/glassy eyes faint odor of an alcoholic beverage on their breath. 

The defendant performed poorly on SFST. Positive PBT.

Based on these facts the defendant was believed to be operating motor vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance that appreciably impaired the defendants mental and/or physical faculties.

Each illegal was due in court for hearings at the time of their arrests.

According to local sources in 2025 the Department of Homeland Security issued guidance saying ICE agents could conduct civil immigration enforcement in or near courthouses when they have credible information that leads them to believe their targeted suspects will be present. 

The Biden administration, however, previously banned ICE arrests at courthouses.

Cedar's Take:

Each of these four idiots should not be here in the USA. 

Still, I find it hard to understand why if you were here illegally you would not be on your best behavior. Why would you call attention to yourself? Once you are arrested even if the Mecklenburg County Sheriff lets you go why would you think that ICE and/or CBP were not coming for you.

Why did they not self deport? Take the money and go home?

Democrats will complain that these men support families and they are not the violent murderers or child rapists that Trump says he's targeting. 

Still someone in the DA's Officer or Courts tagged these guys and made ICE aware they were on the docket and might just be stupid enough to show up. 

Bravo Zulu to whomever you are. Well Done.

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.