$77,000 for Moving Expenses

Newly obtained public records show the city of Charlotte paid Johnny Jennings more than $77,000 in moving expenses after the city manager named the longtime Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department employee police chief in 2020. 

Records show, at the time, he lived in a neighboring county. The city's 2020 job posting for the position listed a minimum requirement for the incoming chief to live within the city limits within three months of the hire date. 

Because the amount was more than $60,000 Charlotte City Council would have had to approve the expense even if it was paid in 2 lump sums.

Let that marinate a while, $77K to move back into the Charlotte City limits. 

According to a search on Google:

The average company relocation package can vary significantly, but for entry-level or mid-level positions, it often ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, according to AIHR. For senior or specialized roles, these packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. Relocation packages may include a lump sum payment, direct billing of moving expenses, or a combination of both. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Entry-Level/Mid-Level:

Expect a range of $2,000 to $10,000, potentially covering basic moving expenses and temporary housing. 

Senior/Specialized Roles:

These packages can range from $10,000 to $30,000, potentially including comprehensive moving services and additional support. 

Lump Sum vs. Reimbursement:

Some companies offer a lump sum, while others reimburse expenses based on receipts. 

Negotiation:

Relocation packages can sometimes be negotiated, especially for higher-level roles. 

Cost Factors:

The total cost of a relocation package depends on factors like distance of the move, size of household, and whether the employee owns or rents. 

Examples:

Some companies offering relocation packages include Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, with amounts ranging from $3,000 to over $10,000. 

Cedar's Take:

So how to you feel about your job with CMPD this morning? 

Why did it take five years to disclose this abomination? 

Good Morning Charloot!

It's been a rather dull weekend around Charloot, sans one homicide and the usual drunks and idiots. 

The anti Trump "No Kings" protest was basically uneventful. Bike team doing a BZ job of keeping the clowns from wandering down College Street.

Taxpayers and uptown business owners are pleased to see that Command put a stop to both the protestors wearing masks and the aimlessly wandering protest marches.

Juneteenth on Thursday should be dull as well even up on Da Ford. Hearing that the idea of CMPD "standing down" has been canned again for this year and that street takeovers are to be dealt with promptly.

With Father's day on Sunday it gave us all time to hang out with family and friends pool side and watch the kids enjoy the day.  

Still I don't think you can really appreciate Father's Day until you notice that 3 of the guys who were playing corn hole just an hour ago are now heading off to roll call leaving the house in their blue uniforms, wearing duty belts and carrying three and four year olds in their arms. The hand off is quick and just like that they are rolling. The kids head back to the pool and the girls just cope.

That is all just my perspective.

Oh one more thing.... "Let's be careful out there".

CP

CMPD Officer Busted on DWI

From the CMPD PIO:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 9, 2025) - The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Internal Affairs Division is conducting an internal investigation following the arrest of CMPD Officer Jonathan Nicholas outside of the CMPD jurisdiction.

On June 8, while off-duty, Officer Nicholas was arrested by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) in Burke County. Officer Nicholas was initially stopped for speeding and later arrested for Driving While Impaired (DWI).

The NCSHP is the lead investigative agency and questions should be directed to their office.

Officer Nicholas is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. Officer Nicholas was hired on August 13, 2012. His most recent assignment was in the University City Division.

Later CMPD Chief Jennings issued this statement:

"Upholding the law is a constant commitment, not just something done during an officer’s shift. I am disheartened to learn of the arrest of Officer Nicholas because it represents a deviation from the commitment all officers make when we take our oath and pin on this badge. We are held to a higher standard as law enforcement officers, whether we are on or off duty. Any behavior that falls short of that commitment compromises public trust and should not be tolerated."

Cedar's Take:

I don't drink and drive. Not even a little The USCG and FAA have basically zero tolerance policies which means I can't even "hang out with the guys" the night before and make a 7 am flight. Tonic and Lime on the rocks is my limit. 

Now everyone within CMPD knows the SHP guys don't cut breaks. 

My kryptonite is craft beer and in particular Wicked Weed "Pernicious" at 7.3% ABV which means one is enough to blow stupid. Daily Haze is also pretty good. Which means I don't drink on a weekend in the mountains or on a road trip. Which also means I don't drink away from home. I don't drink at friends homes and I don't drink an drive ever.

So when the SHP tosses the bullshit "how much have you had to drink tonight question my way" I can say "ZERO". I always have and always will.

I lost a girlfriend to a drunk driver in high school I don't like people who drive drunk.

That said unpaid administrative leave is just all kinds of wrong when it come to a 13 year member of the department. 

And along those lines Chief Jennings comments are kinda rich considering.

They Live Among Us!

Once the crime scene is cleared and the yellow tape removed. Shortly after Charlotte Fire hosed down the blood stained parking lot and the headlines faded many of those arrested for their role in a homicide by CMPD are back on the streets. 

Many of those arrested will be released on a no bail program instituted by now retired Liberal Chief Judge Reagan Miller and continue to commit crimes of violence. 

Others are given a free passes by Mecklenburg DA Spencer Merriweather.

Furqan Grice and Anthony Goodson

Anthony Goodson Courtesy of MSCO

Ibn Ishamel Marshall and Anu'Bius Rashard Talib Smith were shot to death on February 27, 2019. 

On March 1, 2019 Furqan Bashir Grice and Anthony Goodson were both charged with murder in the double homicide. 

From a Local Television News Report: 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called to the area of Morehead St. and Grandin Rd. around 9 p.m. Police said one victim was found in a parking lot, and two more were found in a car. Investigators believed all three victims were shot in the 600 block of Grandin Road, but two stayed inside the vehicle while the other ran down the street. 

Police said the victims were taken to the hospital where two of them died. There was no immediate word on the condition of the third person. 

The men who died were identified as 17-year-old Ibn Marshall and 18-year-old Anu'bius Smith. 

On Friday, CMPD announced that Furqan Grice, 18, and Anthony Goodson, 18, were arrested in connection with their murders. Grice was arrested Thursday and is facing two counts of first-degree murder. Goodson was arrested Friday and is in the process of being interviewed by homicide detectives. 

Two guns and some marijuana were found at the crime scene. Neighbors said the area is normally peaceful. Now they're dealing with a lost sense of security. 

Goodson was charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder as was Grice.

But the Mecklenburg DA dismissed the murder charges and both would pled to "Robbery with a dangerous weapon (attempted)" and receive minimal sentences with a maximum of 6 years and 2 months.

Goodson was released from prison on May 12th of this year. Grice was released on December 8th of last year. Both are still within their one year parole period.

And they now once again live among us. 

Alvin Steele - Incarceration Saves Lives

This story is one that will soon be forgotten. But the stories like this are endless in Charlotte.

Alvin Steele was shot to death in a one star motel on Lucky Penny Street on March 31, 2025.

A yelp review of the "Charlotte Express Inn" reads: "If I could give this place negative stars I would! Dead cockroaches in the bathroom and a huge blood stain on the blanket with holes in it, broken furniture and stains on the couch! How on earth is this place $60 a night!" 

Steel was Charlotte's 37th homicide vic, but how did he end up on the list?

Alvin Steele was arrested in January of this year with a pile of traffic citations including no drivers license and well as weapons charges and he was held for less 24 hours before he was released on a minimal bail.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

A month later he was arrested again and as before on weapons charges.

Alvin Steele Courtesy of MCSO

And of course let out again on a minimum bail despite his prior arrests and convictions.

Then the January case was dismissed because someone forgot to turn in the paperwork.

The two arrests earlier in 2025 were not Steele's first trip to jail. He had been arrested in April of 2022 on stolen property and weapons charges in Gaston County. He was then in August of that year given community service and probation.

He had also been arrested back in 2021 for a shooting which wounded 3 people including a 7 year old girl.

According to media reports on Tuesday March 31, 2021 police officers responded to a 911 call near a convenience store on Hovis Road around 3 p.m. During a news conference Wednesday, CMPD Maj. Brian Foley said two teenagers had been targeted and shot at from a vehicle. They ran to a nearby house for medical attention, Foley said. Additionally a seven year old girl in another car was hit by a bullet.

CMPD Chief Jonny Jennings spoke forcefully at the time about crime saying "the shooting of a seven year old girl tugs at his heart"

Less than 24 hours after the news media interviewed Chief Jennings about the little girl being shot. Steele was arrested and charged with AWDWIKISI.

But the chief's talk held little value with the district attorney's office. By August of that year, the Mecklenburg County ADA Alana Marie Byrnes would dismiss the charges against Steele citing lack of evidence.

Even prior to the shooting of the little girl Steele had been arrested. A 2018 arrest on drug charges was dismissed because of COVID-19 and there are others, all dismissed. 

On May 12 of 2025 Alvin’s Steele's life came to a sudden, but not unexpected end, at that cheap motel on Lucky Penny Street.

According to court documents, his girlfriend found him shot multiple times in his room, covered by a sheet and pillow.

Investigators said Tyler Minor, who was staying with the Alvin, called 911 and said he shot his friend.

Tyler Minor Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Minor’s father then tried to turn him in, but he jumped out of his car on the way to the police station. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder.

Minor too has been recently arrested on drugs and weapons charges. The week before the murder of Steele a mecklenburg  county magistrate let him walk out of jail on a Pre-Trial Release agreement. In other words no bail despite the seriousness of the charges.

Police said the incident was sparked because of a girl. 

However, Alvin’s grandmother said she couldn’t make sense of this. “As a person, Alvin was loving. He loved animals, and he loved people. He was very loving, always respectful,” His grandmother would say.

“Just put the guns down, you know. If we have grievances, try to talk. Try to go to somebody, but we’ve got to put the guns down. I mean, we’re killing everybody,” said the 50 year old.

She added that said Alvin leaves behind two young daughters.

Minor remains in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sherriff's Department and has been denied bail. A trial date has not been set.

Cedar's Take:

Incarceration says lives. Multiple times there was a chance to prevent this murder and each time the system run by liberal judges, and district attorneys failed. 

On the positive side Minor's killing of Steele prevented Steele from killing someone else. 

But expect Minor is out before he's 25 and the process to start all over again.

Here Hold My Beer

When is comes to stupid no one yells "here, hold my beer" louder than the clowns at Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office better know as Garry McFadden's "Day's Inn" Extended Stay Resort and Recording Studio.

Forget the two MCSO employees having a knife fight this is way more stupid!

But I bet y'all didn't have this on your bingo card.   

John Matanovic was arrested Saturday night by the Cornelius, North Carolina Police Department for not having a Funeral Directors License.  

At least according to Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden.

His LinkedIn profile says he's also a parking lot attendant, apprentice plumber and works at Autobell.  

Talk about a crazy side gig!

I know what you're thinking maybe his dad had a extra large refrigerator he wasn’t using since it's not deer season, right?

Need to get Uncle Henry taken care of and on his way but don't have the green to pay for a real funeral call my buddy John Jason or as he's known by his street name "Doctor Death".

OK not really so Y'all ready for this.....

Contrary to MCSO Matanovic was over in the far northwest end Montgomery County back on 15 September of last year and was actually charged with Trespassing because he and his buddies where "Drinking beer and jumping from the cliffs on the Yadkin River Game Lands on Tuckertown Road". 

Leave it to Garry McFadden to screw up the paperwork.

Seriously funny - Poor kid gets arrested on an outstanding warrant from nearly a year ago and MCSO logs it into the system as NO FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S LICENSE!

MCSO Says it's not their fault. 

Officer Barney Fife of Cornelius PD apparently had the subject on a traffic stop, ran him through ACIS, which came back with a hit on the unpaid citation. 

Rather than send him home with a warning to fix it or else Barney decided to take him to jail at 2 am. 

Then we suspect he or the MCSO used the GS 90-210 vs GS 113-264 and didn't bother to check the computer screen.

Matanovic was released around 12:30 pm on Sunday after posting a $750.00 bail about midday on Sunday MCSO changed their system to "see paperwork for charges".

Cedar's Take:

It was pointed out that with the ACIS hit the Cornelius Officer had a duty to arrest him.

Which is True, failure to appear is a common event and yes you need to go to jail right then and there, but I think a little grace would go a long way. 

I know exactly where the kid was and during deer season that's not a smart place to be. However I think was still bow hunting only and it is public lands. 

Now the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Sgt Howell who wrote the citation deserves a medal for asshole of the year. This location has been the perfect spot for end of summer fun for 100 years. Now maybe Matanovic had an attitude IDK.

Anyways the punk apparently just blew it off. Still I don’t know if I’d run him to Charlotte on that outstanding warrant. 

But he’ll have the how he was arrested for being an undertaker without a license story to tell forever.

Ditto for the Mecklenburg County magistrate who set his bond at $750.00 on a $200 citation and MCSO who put him in an orange jumpsuit on a Saturday Night.

Which is the problem with having DEI hires in government jobs. The stupid is stunning because there is no common sense.

Issuing citations to 20 year olds for swimming on a end of Summer Saturday afternoon, that's stupid

Arresting a 20 year old on a Saturday night on an outstanding citation and driving him 20 miles to Charlotte is stupid.

Setting his bail at $750 on a $200 fine is stupid.

Putting him in a orange jumpsuit for his 2 am mug shot is stupid.

Entering the wrong crime is stupid.

And all of this stupid is costing taxpayers millions. Just stop it!

CMPD's "Crime Mapper" aka Crime Number Madness

Grab a Cup of Coffee or a Couple of Beers. This is a long one. My apologies to those with short attention spans. And so here we go.......

Last year CMPD took the crime mapping online tool in house with the department saying the new program was developed internally to improve accuracy and lower costs. According to CMPD, incident data is uploaded within approximately 24 hours.

Previously CMPD used crimemapping.com, a national third-party website, but the department and the city of Charlotte allowed that contract to expire in September.

The new online application, CMPD has called "CrimeMapper,"

According to CMPD the program allows users to visualize reported incidents dating back to six months; however, for incidents that happened more than six months ago, people can go to the city’s Open Data Portal which has a database going back to 2017.

But the reports and maps are riddled with errors.

Dates 

Using the departments "CrimeMapper" and selecting homicides, the area as all of Charlotte and the custom date range of January 1, 2025 to June 6, 2025 the program returns 34 entries. 

The first homicide of 2025 is the murder of Christopher Alexander Arrojo with a date of January 8, 2025.

But the CMPD press release dated January 10, 2025 says murder was on January 9, 2025.

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, January 10, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation on the interstate I-85 southbound ramp at W. WT Harris Boulevard in the University City Division.

On Thursday, January 9, shortly before 10:00 p.m., officers responded to a vehicle crash call for service near W. WT Harris Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim with a gunshot wound. MEDIC transported the victim to an area hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.

University City officers made an arrest on scene and there are not any additional threats to the community at this time.

A check of police report filed on January 10, 2025 also confirms the date of January 9, 2025

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2158 hours, University City division officers responded to I-85 South, near the W.T. Harris Blvd. exit ramp for an Assault with Deadly Weapon call for service. Prior to officers' arrival, there were multiple calls for service stating that there had been multiple vehicle collision on I-85 South, one subject had fled from the scene of the collision, and one subject was shot. Officers located three vehicles involved in

the collision, and the victim, Christopher Alexander Arrojo (Arrojo) (W/M, 01/27/1995), who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his torso. Arrojo was transported to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center

(Presbyterian) where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Hanna Phillips at 0012 hours.

Officers located the defendant, Marquail Antonio Burris (Burris) (B/M, 02/22/2000), with the assistance of the police helicopter, at nearby hotel. Detectives spoke with the defendant, who stated that he was driving his silver, Nissan Rogue with VIN: JNSASSMT1EW611972,in the far-left lane of I-85 South. Burris stated that he struck two other vehicles: an orange, 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe with SC License Plate GJZ646 and VIN: 5XYZU3LB8EG20081 5, driven by Brianna Teahl (05/09/2002), and black, 2013 Nissan Altima with NC License Plate LCX8324, and VIN: IN4AL3AP7DC158659, driven by Jabril Shank (B/M, 04/10/1999).

Burris stated that he ran from the vehicle. Burris stated that he got into an altercation with the victim, Arrojo, on the exit ramp. Burris admitted to detectives that he shot the victim. Burris stated to detectives that he was carrying 9MM handgun concealed in his waistband prior to shooting the victim.

Detectives located the victim, black handgun, and discharged cartridge case in Burris' path of travel from the hit and run.

Burris is still being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond.

While CMPD told local media that CrimeMapper was developed in house to save on costs, the CMPD website states:

"CrimeMapper" has been developed by ESRI to provide the public with valuable information about recent crime activity in their neighborhood.

Our goal is to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry. Creating more self-reliance among community members is a great benefit to community oriented policing efforts everywhere and has been proven effective in combating crime.

CrimeMapper utilizes an advanced mapping engine, which helps us provide a high level of functionality as well as flexibility. Crime data is extracted on a regular basis from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's records system so that the information being viewed through a Web browser is the most current available. This data is always verified for accuracy and all address information is generalized by block in order to help ensure privacy is protected.

Our Pledge to You:

We will continue to strive to provide the most accurate and timely crime data available online!

An internet search of ESIR returns a company based out of California.according to their website:

Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. 

Then there is this second entry on "CrimeMapper" which is for a homicide that occurred on January 10, 2025 at 7700 E WT Harris Boulevard.

Maybe/Maybe Not

But a search of CMPD PIO Press releases shows nothing about a January 10, 2025 homicide but there is the one on January 9th. Could it be the same Homicide on I-85? While it seems plausible that this is also the January 9th homicide the Incident Number is different.

So there clearly was a second homicide perhapes one on the 9th and the other on the 10th both in the same general area?

The "CrimeMapper" website offers the following disclaimer:

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data provided herein, the City of Charlotte makes no warranty regarding the reliability, accuracy, or completeness of the GIS data or the functionality of the GIS tool. Users should consult public primary information sources such as recorded deeds and plats to verify the accuracy of the data provided.

Well Deeds and Plats have little to do with murders but OK, LoL

The third entry references a homicide that occurred on January 13th at 5600 Brookshire Blvd.

A search of the CMPD PIO website shows no homicides occurring on January 13, 2025 but an entry on January 14, 2025 addresses a homicide on that same day:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 5600 block of Brookshire Blvd. in the North Division.

On Tuesday, January 14, shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 5600 block of Brookshire Blvd.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a person with a gunshot wound. MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.

On Thursday January 16, 2025 the CMPD PIO released the following:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, January 16, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Jaquad Malik Pearson, 19. Mr. Pearson’s next of kin have been notified of his 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 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Grazier-Zerbarini is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.  For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250114-1938-00.

But the press release fails to mention which case this is an update to. 

A week later the CMPD PIO release the following:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, January 24, 2025) – As a result of the continued investigation into the death of Jaquad Malik Pearson, 19, detectives with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit identified two suspects in this case. Detectives arrested Demetrius Kavon Adams, 18, and one juvenile. 

The Real Time Crime Center, North Tryon officers and its Crime Reduction Unit assisted in locating and arresting these suspects.

Officers transported the juvenile and Adams to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) where they were interviewed by homicide detectives.

At the conclusion of these interviews, Adams and the juvenile suspect were transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Both suspects are charged with Murder.

In this release the PIO names the victim Jaquad Malkil Pearson but there is no mention of the date that the homicide occurred.

A review of court records however show an arrests affidavit that matches the Incident Number 20250114-1938-00 names the victim as Jaquard Pearson and suspects as  Demetrius Adams and the unredacted juvenile name and his DOB. The date of the homicide given is January 14, and not the January 13 date reported on "CrimeMapper".

Another example

From the CMPD Press Release:

On Saturday, January 18, shortly after 4:00 p.m., officers responded to a call for service along with MEDIC in the 8700 block of Hollow Creek Circle in regards to a subject needing medical assistance. Upon arrival, MEDIC rendered aid and discovered the victim had a gunshot wound. MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.

But the CMPD "CrimeMapper" shows the entry as having a date of January 17, 2025.

Seeing Double

But it is not only dates that CMPD's "CrimeMapper" has wrong, sometimes there are duplicate entries.

There were two homicides on May 18th. One on Spring Street and the other on Winding Path Way. In both cases the victims were 17 years old. There have been no arrests in either case.

CMPD's "CrimeMapper" totals the number of 2025 homicides as of June 6, 2025 at 34 if you back out the duplicates the number is 32. 

Cedar Posts counts 48 since January 1st, the discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that some were determined to be suicides others listed as justified homicides.

Kamorrie Prather was just 18 when he was found shot to death in a car on Frew Road. The CMPD PIO press release reads as follows:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, May 3, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 3600 block of Frew Road in the North Tryon Division.

On Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 a.m., officers responded to an accident with injury call for service in the 3600 block of Frew Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim with a gunshot wound. MEDIC transported the victim to the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center where the victim was pronounced deceased.

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, CFD and MEDIC also assisted.

While the redundancy in the PIO press release is bothersome the fact it Kamorrie Pather's murder doesn't show up in the "CrimeMapper" data base or the map is really troubling

Pronouns

Then there's the case of Navaeh Carter. The 17 year old was shot to death on May 31th. Again "CrimeMapper" has the date as May 30th. 

The first CMPD Press Release reads:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, May 31, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at the intersection of North Graham Street and Craighead Road in the North Tryon Division.

The follow on release IDs the victim:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, May 31, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Navaeh Carter, 17. The victim’s family has been notified of his death.

His death? 

Was the Vic a transgendered individual? Normally it would be polite to ID the victim of a homicide by their preferred pronouns. My thought it she was a very pretty 17 year old female.

I could be wrong. Then to make matters worst CMPD tags the prior press releases with the arrest update for a totally different case.

The has been no arrest in the murder of Miss Carter, despite a dozen cameras and witnesses.

Timing

CMPD told Charlotte City Council it would normally be within 24 hours. According to the CrimeMapper website, "incident data is uploaded within approximately 24 hours".

In reality the reports are uploaded and available about a week to ten days after the date of occurrence. 

The bottom line 

If the homicide reporting and numbers are this wrong, how underreported are the more common crimes. If you can't trust the Police Department's information who can you trust?

Let's face it CMPD didn't take the crime mapping in house to save money they just found an easy way to control the information flow. The department is still using a 3rd party vendor. This is how you deflect first screw up the dates so no one can check the reports against the real numbers. Then as the year goes on drop a few murders no one will notice. If you get caught, then blame it on user error. 

Blame crime on "perception" then point to your own "CrimeMapper" to show that crime is really down. 

I'll say it again if they can not accurately report the murders just how wrong are the B&E numbers?

Is this deliberate? You tell me.

The same issue abound at MCSO. Arrests are limited to just the last three years. The pedofile living next door is unknown to everyone unless he/she self reports, you know the honor system?

Up Next

More on the MCSO

When is comes to stupid no one yells "here, hold my beer" better than the clowns at Garry McFadden's "Day's Inn" Extended Stay Resort and Recording Studio.

University City Death Investigation

Just after 12 Noon, CMPD patrol units, Charlotte Fire and Medic converged on what is a shut down Baymont Inn. CMPD has listed this as a "Death Investigation" meaning there are no outward signs of foul play.

CMPD Press Release:

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, June 6, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a death investigation in the 5000 block of Equipment Drive in the North Tryon Division.

On Friday, June 6, at approximately 12 p.m., officers responded to an assist MEDIC call for service in the 5000 block of Equipment Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered two subjects who were pronounced on the scene.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command and MEDIC also responded to assist.

Equipment drive is a seedy area that is an access road along Interstate 85. The former Baymont hotel has seen a difficult history so this is this is complicated. 

It is not clear if the deceased were discovered in a room or just on the property but they have been described as a woman and infant child.

More as details emerge.

Cedar's Take:

When you say Homicide in University City it presents a conflict of terms. 

Such a wonderful name that says hope and promise of the future for things to come. But the area is the freaking pit of despair. The shit hole needs a better name to reflect it's hood status.

Da Creek is good, Da Ford is better. University City needs a hood name that echos the reality of the homelessness, the traffic, the blight, the low rent apartments, extended stay hotels, crime and endless parade of patrol vehicles. Never mind that it is named for the UNCC Campus that sits just to the north.

We need a  new name that reflects the reality of life and death on our city's lowest rung of the ladder. 

All great cities have famous hoods.

LA - Skid Row

New York - Harlem

Chicago - South Side

Philadelphia - North Philly

Miami - Overtown

LA - Compton - LA

New Jersey - Patterson

Greenville, SC - Woodside

Spartanburg, SC - Washington Avenue

Atlanta - Hopkins Street

We need a name that fits but not University City. But it may be too late because today in Charlotte if someone says University, and you automatically think crime.

17-year-old Navaeh Carter Homicide

Nearly a week after the murder of 17 year old Naveh Carter and facts still remain elusive. Why? Perhaps the facts as told by witnesses doesn't match other evidence.

The initial report was straight forward:

"Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at the intersection of North Graham Street and Craighead Road in the North Tryon Division."

One question begins with why was a 17 year old Monroe High School student on the North side of Charlotte at 2 am on a Friday night? How many cars were hit? Just her car, as the CMPD PIO statement indicates or more than one car as facebook and Instagram posts reportedly meantion?

CMPD PIO added to the confusion with the following statement:

 "The victim in this case has been identified as Navaeh Carter, 17. The victim’s family has been notified of his death."

"His Death" was Carter actually a guy? 

If so was this a targeted hate crime? 

Then yesterday the CMPD PIO attached the update and arrest of two suspects in an entirely different case (the murder of Kamorrie Prather) to the original post regarding Carter.

Two dates are also used May 31 and June 2 for the update.

The facts are confusing and the dates are conflicting and the public is left to wonder just how incompetent are the people we are counting on and if the PIO is incompetent how bad is the rest of the operation?

Was this a targeted attack, a hate crime or just a random act of violence? No one is saying.

It is not just the CMPD PIO, the MCSO and Mecklenburg County Courts have issues with names and aliases. The recent arrest of Thomas Cartee as entered by the MCSO is straight forward enough but the clerk's office entered his name as Thomas Cartee III his real name is Thomas Lee Osbon Cartee, III.

But the Mecklenburg Courts have it as Cartee III. Without the coma the ecourts portal doesn't recognize the III as a suffix.

Another example the arrest of Keion Brown is entered as  BROWN, KEION RONTONIO DEPINA by the MCSO but in the court's paperwork his last name is Depina - Brown.

This is a constant issue for CMPD, MCSO and Clerk of Courts. With the explosion of hispanic surnames in the county, the system is overwhelmed. No wonder Sheriff McFadden doesn't want to cooperate with DHS and ICE since the hispanic names are crazy confusing and that's why we have AOC rather than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The First 48 -

Unlike the series "The First 48" - "For homicide detectives, the clock starts ticking the moment they are called. Their chance of solving a murder is cut in half if they don't get a lead within the first 48 hours" - the murder of Jahlen McDonald took less than 3 hours to charge and book the shooter Thomas Carlee, III.

Jahlen Kewon McDonald

Interesting twist in the Thomas Cartee case the victim Jahlen McDonald was shot at Cartee's address. Seem's Cartee's mother Merissa "Missy" Massey was either sub-letting or allowing McDonald to reside at the residence she shared with her son Thomas Cartee, III and husband Mark Massey.

Thomas Cartee might have had a defense since the victim was clearly intent on inflicting serious bodily harm on the defendant's mother. However the mag dump (read below) was pretty excessive. 

Thomas Cartee, III Photo Courtesy MCSO

And still the vic Jahlen Kewon McDonald who was arrested in April and then was released might still be alive had the courts held him until trial. 

Jahlen Kewon McDonald Photo Courtesy MCSO

Once again incarceration saves lives!

The rest of the back story is just sad. The landlord Ray Thomas and his wife Mitzi filed eviction paperwork on Monday. But the idiot put "1st of each Month" for date rent was due. That's an automatic dismissal, and clearly failing to wait the required 10 days. Obviously as reaction to the shooting.

Cartee's father passed away in 2005, everyone mom, dad, the shooter has priors, and the sad story just goes on and on.....

It will end up as a plea to voluntary homicide and dropping the robbery charge and he gets 10 years plus probation for 2 maybe restitution to cover the vic family's funeral costs.

Officer's report:

On May 31, 2025, at approximately 0011 hours, North Division Officers responded to 9313 Broken Pine Lane in reference to Domestic Violence Assault with Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service. 

CFD and MEDIC 52 responded to the scene and located the victim suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Medic Abigail Tucker pronounced the victim deceased at 0023 hours. The victim's pockets appeared to have been turned out.

Detectives spoke with the caller, Merissa Massey, who stated that the victim lived with her. They got into an argument in the living room and the victim threw carpet shampooer at her and then threw a baby chair swing at her striking her in the head. She stated that her son Thomas Cartee, III, shot the victim and left.

The defendant returned to the scene with his sister's fiancee, Christopher Hicks. 

The defendant was picked up by Christopher from Harris Teeter Fuel Station located at 3909 Corning Place where the victim's Dodge Charger was later located by Officers. 

Detectives spoke with Christopher who stated the defendant called his fiancee and defendant's sister, Krystona Cartee, and told them that he "fucked up" and had shot Jahlen after he was beating on his mom, Merissa. 

Christopher provided consent for Detectives to search his white Toyota Camry that he transported the defendant in to the scene. Detectives located two cell phones that Christopher stated should be the defendant's and an extended pisto magazine. Detectives observed loose US Currency and stack of US Currency bound with black rubber band.

Detectives spoke with the victim's girlfriend, Ty'Dasia Martin, who stated that the victim and Merissa were arguing. The victim tossed "vacuum" and Ty'Dasia went to use the nearby bathroom. Ty'Dasia started hearing gunshots and looked outside the bathroom. Her child ran to her saying the victim was on the ground. The defendant, Thomas Cartee III, pointed gun in her face and stated "bitch you better not tell." The victim's black Dodge Charger was left running in the driveway prior to the incident and was now missing. The victim had large sum of US Currency that was bound with black rubber band.

Detectives responded to Christopher's residence and collected the stack of US Currency bound with black rubber band seen in the Toyota Camry previously.

Detectives interviewed the defendant at the LEC. The defendant was advised of his Miranda rights and provided statement of what happened. He stated that the victim arrived with food, the victim and his mother got into an argument, and the victim pushed his mother.The victim threw carpet shampooer at his mother and he went to Jahlen's room to get the black M&P 2.0 pistol that Jahlen was holding for him. He came back to the living room and saw the victim throw "car seat" at his mother and hit her in the head. He pulled the gun from his right Waistband fired at the victim approximately 9 or 10 times until the magazine was empty.

He took the victim's Charger and drove around. The keys were in the vehicle. The victim had money in the car. He drove around and called Krystona until she answered and told her and Christopher what had happened. He stated that he threw the firearm in dumpster near restaurant, threw his phones in pond behind the Harris Teeter, threw the car keys, and used some of the victim's money to purchase "blacks" (cigars). He also gave away money to the homeless and other subjects in excess of $200.00.

Detectives are seeking charges for Murder and Robbery with Dangerous Weapon.

Cedar's Take someone needs to start a go-fund me for Massey, Thomas Cartee and even for the family of Jahlen McDonald.

Maurice Quick The Face of Evil

Maurice Quick Photo Courtesy of MCSO

Last week this evil MoFo broke into his estranged wife's home. At the time he had just been served a restraining order, but that didn't prevent him from beating her unconscious.

Her injuries so severe that CMPD Officers and Medic questioned if she was going to survive.

Quick later told officers he didn't know if she was dead or not but he took full responsibility for his actions.

The sick part is they arrested this POS back on May 15th for attacking her yet the Mecklenburg County Judicial System let him out of jail the same day, on a unsecured bond.

But it gets worse, Monday morning in court with Quick in jail across the street, Mecklenburg County ADA Samantha Pendergrass dismissed the charges related to the May 15th attack. Saying there was insufficient evidence.

You would hope she's clueless or that she's been doing the job in the Mecklenburg County DA's Office so long she just doesn't care, because to think otherwise would mean she dismissed the charges for the first attack knowing he nearly killed her during the second.

From the CMPD report:

On May 29, 2025, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to report of an occupied residential breaking and entering call for service reported at XXXXX XXXX Drive.

The female complainant and victim, later identified as XXXXXXXX Quick, indicated in the call that her husband kicked her door in and was breaking into the house and that she had an ex parte order to keep him away from the home.

The female complainants voice, as well as males voice, could be heard in the background of the 911 call. The male voice could be heard making statements to include "I'm done with you".

The female could be heard screaming in the background, before she stopped responding to the 911 dispatcher.

Officers responded and encountered the male defendant, later identified as Maurice Quick, in the immediate vicinity of the incident location walking into the road with his hands raised.

Officers made verbal inquiry asking what happened, to which the defendant responded by making multiple statements including "she's dead". Officers then took the defendant into custody.

Officers located the victim, Ms. Quick, outside of the residence, suffering from what they described initially as major head trauma to include severe bruising, swelling, and visible loss of blood around the victims eyes, nose, mouth and entire facial area.

The victim was transported via ambulance to hospital in life threatening condition; She was not conscious and was therefore unable to give officers any additional statement or information before being taken into surgery.

The defendant was interviewed by Detectives. After being advised of his Miranda rights and signing waiver of those rights, the defendant made numerous statements concerning this incident.

The defendant indicated that he blacked out and could not recall specifically what happened and that he didn't know if the victim was dead or not, but that he knew he was going to do time and that he took responsibility for what happened.

The defendant was observed to have blood on his clothing and shoes, which were collected as evidence. At the time of this incident, there was valid Ex Parte Domestic Violence Protective Order (25CV601 145-590) in effect which granted the victim possession of the residence and ordered the defendant to have no contact with her.

The order was issued on May 27, 2025 in Mecklenburg County by the Honorable Judge Aretha Blake. The order was confirmed to be served on the defendant in person by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office as of 1:35 PM on May 29, 2025 by Deputy D. Jones, and was effective until June 10, 2025.

At this time the investigation of this incident is active and ongoing, and the victims ultimate condition and prognosis has not yet been confirmed.

Maurice Quick is charged with:

Attempted First-Degree Murder

Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury

Assault with Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury

Breaking and/or Entering with Intent to Terrorize and/or Injure

Assault on Female

Midsomer Crime of Domestic Violence

Violation of Domestic Violence Protective Order

He remains in custody at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center under a $850,000 bond.