They All Have Guns

The murder of 15 year old Avion Dingle over the weekend is so normal for Charloot that the news media has already moved on to bigger stories. 

It's no big deal because they all have guns and violence within the "Black Community" is just a fact of life. The African American Community has become a Culture of Violence, Embracing Criminality and Gun Play as a way of life.

Glamorized in rap and hip hop music and endless video clips on facebook, instagram and tiktok 

I have family members with CMPD who echo the same thing about Black kids "they all have guns" and they offer a cautionary warning "don't ever think they don't".

The reason is having a gun is the deal, a status symbol and point of pride and power. Call it whatever you like having a Glock is "straight fire," or "dope," maybe even "on fleek," def "lit," "Gucci," and maybe even "savage" you don't have a gun? Well then you sus.

Today a 15 year old's dead body is being treated to a full examination by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office and later the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will sign off on the cause of death. Extreme sudden unexpected ventilation and leakage of necessary fluids.

Thomas D. Owens, M.D., is the director and chief forensic pathologist of the Mecklenburg County Examiner’s Office. He is responsible for supervising forensic examinations, autopsies, and death investigations in Mecklenburg County and he's about as creepy as you can find outside of Hollywood.

15 Year old Avion Dingle (Walker) will be laid out of a metal collection table and then he'll be gutted like a trout. His brain will be removed and his heart dissected then they will staple him back together and deliver his body to a mortuary assigned the task of putting him back together as much as possible so that his family members can grieve properly.   

We can stop the madness. But it is going to take more than "violence interrupters" and crying MOMO mommies. Forget stoic messages from parents and clergy. The standard he was a good boy will be echoed over and over again.

It is way past time to fix this. These mini thugs have guns because it is considered cool, a status symbol and ridin with a bunch of your friends that have guns has become the equivalent of sitting at  the cool kids table in the school lunchroom.

Let's fix this.

Democrats have let us all down. The courts and law enforcement need to get serious, if you have a gun and shouldn't even the first offense it should mean one year jail time. The second time automatic five years. Felon with a gun ten year automatic. 

Stolen gun double the sentence. 

Modified weapon triple the sentence.

Ridin with a gun even if it is not yours automatic jail time. Hanging out with friends with guns even on the street everyone goes to jail.

Get arrested with a gun no bail. 

We need to make it where black kids no longer see having a gun as cool but rather the complete opposite and totally uncool. 

Look a the MCSO arrests over the weekend 16 black mugshots with weapons charges everyone one of them released inside 24 hours.

It should not be happening.

Time to end the madness.

Avion Dingle (Walker) 15

The first "X" Post was simple 

And hour or so later the CMPD press release:

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 1000 block of Merrick Street in the North Tryon Division.

On Thursday, June 26, shortly before 11:30 p.m., officers responded to multiple 911 calls related to shots fired in the 1000 block of Merrick Street. The investigation revealed that one individual had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene by MEDIC.

1030 Merrick Street Charlotte, NC 

While CMPD gives a general block address, the  Atlas One APP gives both 1000 block of Merrick Street and 1030 Merrick Street.

The location is an apartment complex just off North Tryon Street.

Several hours later, a Local news station leads with:

"Suspect ‘wantonly’ fires into northeast Charlotte apartment, killing 15-year-old inside: CMPD"

A neighbor who did not wish to be identified said the 15-year-old had knocked on her door a few minutes before the shooting happened. She said he appeared to be running away from something before he died. This neighbor said the shooting happened inside the building, not from the outside.

Social media quickly names the victim as Avion Dingle who may be the same as a rising junior at Lincolnton High School.  

Amber Walker takes to social media says that is her son and that is not his name and demands the post naming Avion as the victim be taken down.

Rahmelle Dingle says that's his boy and now the crowd is arguing about several posts on Facebook, Charlotte Alerts and the National Gun Violence Memorial. 

Avion Dingle is listed as Class of 2027 at Lincolnton High School.  He would have turned 16 in November.

CMPD has yet to name any suspects or the victim. A week from now most of Charlotte will have moved on. The names are forgotten and the numbers fade and soon no one remembers the names any of the 30 shooting victims under the age of 18 in the Queen City.

This is Charloot at it's worst. This is the city that Charlotte Democrats have created. Lawless, cruel and with zero justice. 

Dontre Lamar Williams 24 Shot and Killed Tuesday

24-year-old Dontre Lamar Williams was found shot to death at a convenience store in east Charlotte on Tuesday evening, police said.

Dontre Lamar Williams 24 Photo Courtesy MCSO

CMPD says the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. and when Medic arrived they pronounced Williams dead.

The endless cliches of the voice over by local reporter Jesse Pierre trying her best to add drama to the senseless killing:

"Another community shattered by gun violence, flashing blue lights and crime scene tape lining the block. Evidence markers placed where bullets landed. All of this a grim reminder of the violence that unfolded."

(She's of course an idiot. Evidence markers are placed at shell casings not bullets. Given the "letters" Williams didn't stand a chance).

A bouquet of flowers was placed where the gunfire erupted Tuesday evening the reporter goes on to say.

Wednesday, his loved ones remembering the friend they called Tre.

“Loving father, great friend and great person to be around,” Camari Simpson said  after setting the flowers down. "You could call him if you need anything."

A former teacher recalled Williams as kind.

"I do know he was one of the kids that always did the right thing and I know he loved his family very much," Jeremy Cox said.

News media in Charlotte is just god-awful.

Charloot's latest winner of a permanent "dirt nap" is Dontre Lamar Williams 24 who was gunned down on Milton Road Tuesday evening at the C-Store. It's had a 1/2 dozen names since 2000. This area of Charlotte near The Plaza between Eastway and WT Harris used to be solid middle class white it is now total hood which to this life long resident is amazing.

Despite my apparent callousness it really does trouble me. Nah who am I kidding? Charlotte City Council doesn't give a truck so why should you or I? CMPD won't even say his name after all crime is just a perception problem.

Williams was an alleged dealer and that Fast Mart was "his turf" he'd been arrested earlier this year and the charges were dismissed because that is what the standing order is in Mecklenburg County under the "Controlled Substance Policy". 

Meck DA  Mary Elledge requested the dismissal and it was agreed to by judge Mercer. William's blood is on their hands because incarceration saves lives. They are the reason this guy is dead.

Liberal democrat clowns on some affordable housing virtue signal bus tour turned Milton Road into Da Hood. In Five years the whole city will be like Memphis.

Charlotte City Council has been embracing density saturation for years as they allowed apartment developers unchecked to over build the apartment supply which led to lower housing costs which drove down property values. 

The white people who used to live in East Charlotte weren't stupid, they sold and moved to Cabarrus County.

Milton Road is like Crenshaw in LA (it has the same Latino - Black hood vibe). Stuck between LA proper and affluent Santa Monica Crenshaw was solid and safe white America then it saw a black migration in the 1970s and 1980s and with it white flight. "Boyz in the Hood" was filmed there.

Ditto to The Plaza and Milton Road migration and then white flight.

20 years ago Hidden Valley fell and then ten years later Milton Road was next.

Yeah this is personal not just because another young life wasted but because this hits home. Mrs Cedar used to live there when she was married to that Indy Football Coach who left Charlotte for Columbia because he too saw where things were headed. 

Charlotte City Council did it to the city they did it to us and they keep doing it.

Apartment vacancies went up, rent went down, crime went up. and white flight is fast. Charlotte's wedge of prosperity is rapidly disappearing. It used to be Eastway all the way to I-77. Then Independence to South Blvd. Now its Randolph to Park Road and even that's become a question mark. 

Mrs. Cedar's Indepence High School was once 90% white and totally middle class, now it's 43% Black, 29% White, 19% Asian, 6% Other. 

As for Williams he was an alleged dealer and that Fast Mart was "his turf" he'd been arrested earlier this year and the charges were dismissed because that is what the standing order is in Mecklenburg County under the "Controlled Substance Policy" by Meck DA  Mary Elledge and agreed to by judge Mercer. 

It's only a matter of time Charlotte will be like Memphis just without Elvis.

Y'all watch it happen but Elvis has left the building!

Sambo's 903 Drive-In Congressman Norman Invitation (From Back In December of Last Year)

I posted this on the CP blog back before Christmas it didn't get any traction, and no response from the US Congressman. So I'm going to put it over here and the invitation is still open.

This morning I’m sitting inside Sambo’s 903 Drive-In. 

Yes, that’s the name of this business in 2024 and I swear to God Almighty I’m not making this up.

Sambo’s has been around for more years than I’ve known time.

This morning it’s 25 degrees outside and in these parts that’s cold.

The breakfast crowd is a mixture of South Carolina State Highway workers, Sheriff Deputies, Fire and Rescue personnel, some construction workers and one out of place guy from Charlotte who is a retired investment manager who once ran more than 800 million in pension fund assets at one time. Needless to say, I’m not wearing a suit this morning.

Wrangler Jeans, Carhartt long sleeve t-shirt, fitted Operation Hat Trick hat, two days growth on my face and flannel lined vest and still, I stand out.

An attractive 30 something girl steps inside and yells “Hey Lancaster Fire move your pick-up trucks out of my parking spaces now!”

Two guys jump up and head to the door. Now this might seem odd, fire department guys don’t take lightly to being told to move their trucks. While this baddie is clearly no pushover, she’s got a mother of 3 boys voice, they don’t give her any BS. The inside story is that she’s a deputy’s wife that owns the hair salon next door. Oh, and her customer is Mrs. Cedar. 

The boys apologize to her: “Sorry we didn’t know you opened so early”. She gives them a melt their soul smile and says, “I start at 7:00 every day”. To which they reply, “Yes Ma’am”.

I return to my coffee and cellphone. Smile to myself and laugh.

There’s an electrical contractor giving two guys a taking to, because last night they left two work ladders on a job site. There are now in the owner’s pickup truck and not their work truck and he tells them if they don’t mind picking up the breakfast check he’ll forget all about their oversight. Then he pays the entire bill and tip anyways.

Breakfast is soon over the fire guys head out, deputies settle up and move on as well. 

I leave a twenty for my coffee and say thank you. 

Outside it’s still cold. Carolinas in December shouldn't be like this!

And I think to myself by God this is America and those self-absorbed idiots in Washington don’t have a clue. These are the hard-working Americans congress is supposed to be looking out for, but they are busy debating who the brain-dead president should pardon next, arguing about transgender surgeries for children and giving billions to Africa. 

The new Trump administration is proud of themselves because they have identified $500 million that they can save right away while the acting head of the secret service is having a live on national television mental breakdown, He's now deflecting to September 11th even though he's supposed to be answering concerns about the Trump Pennsylvania security breakdown.

Clearly, Congress has lost touch with America. 

Ralph Norman is South Carolina's 5th Congressional District Representative, and I’d bet you he’s never had breakfast at Sambo’s 903 Drive-In.

Well, here’s his invitation. Come around 7 but don’t park in the Salon parking spaces. I'll buy.

Dawson James Payne - FA/FO CMPD Style

Props to WSOC's Joe Bruno for the heads up on this arrest.

Police say 18-year-old Dawson Payne threw a lit firework at a CMPD officer after the officer pulled over someone involved with a street takeover yesterday on Woodpark Blvd. 

The firework missed the Officer but hit his patrol car as it exploded.

Payne fled but was later arrested when police made another stop on a car involved in the street takeover. 

According to court documents:

On 22 June 2025 at around 0300 hours, Officers responded to 3300 Woodpark Blvd in response to street takeover.

Upon officer arrival, Officer conducted a traffic stop on vehicle that was participating in the street takeover. While the Officer was removing a passenger from the vehicle on the traffic stop, an unmarked vehicle who was parked behind the Officer's vehicle observed a young white male with black t-shirt and black sweatpants on, throw a flaming firework at the Officer. 

The subject who threw the firework was later identified as, Dawson Payne. The Officer that witnessed this incident advised that the firework just missed the Officer and struck the right-side mirror of Officer's patrol vehicle. The firework left marks on the vehicle and pushed the mirror inward because of the force of the firework.

The Officer that had seen Payne throw the firework advised that he took off running once the firework was thrown towards vehicle and got into the back. 

The CMPD Officer completed his traffic stop and then had not seen the vehicle since. 

Officers then got the location of secondary street takeover at 2400 Cascade Point Blvd. Officers began to head in that direction and as Officers approached the meet up location, Officers that were on traffic stop saw the same subject, Payne, running towards the backside of the Hilton Garden Inn on Cascade Pointe. 

Officers pulled into the PVA of the hotel and located a black vehicle that was starting to flee. Officers got out with the subjects in the vehicle and detained the three subjects, including Payne. 

Officers located ski masks in the vehicle, and Payne was found dripping in sweat. A photo of Payne and the vehicle he was found in was sent to the Officer on the original traffic stop, and he positively identified as the subject as Payne who threw the firework. 

Officers arrested Payne and he was charged with assault with deadly weapon on government official. Payne was read his Miranda rights and he advised that he was responsible for throwing the firework but advised that it was not his intention to hit the officer.

According to the MSCO Payne is still in custody at this time. (Update Payne was released from the Mecklenburg County Jail on June 24, 2025 at 9:31 pm  according the MCSO website).

Payne's bond has been reduced to $2,000.00 secured provided he is finger printed swabbed for DNA and outfitted with electronic monitoring. 

His next court date is July 8, 2025 at 1:30 in Courtroom 1150.

Welcome to Person County

You know the type. The second they realize they are being pulled over on a traffic stop, they get a attitude. Rather than calmly turn on their signal, and ease off the road, they swerve to the shoulder, Slam on the brakes and stop right on the edge of the highway. They won't put their vehicle into park and refuse to roll down the windows.

I'll politely ask for an ID, registration maybe even proof of insurance. And I get a blank stare.

When they do roll down the window an inch the first thing they start with is "why did you touch my car when you walked up?". Sweet Jesus here we go I end up telling myself.

I get two types of talkers, those who say nothing and those who are talking so fast I can't make out much except that they are "Demanding" that I call for a supervisor and by this time they've told me 8 times that "they know their rights".

I calmly explain that I am the supervisor, to which they always demand my name and badge number I tell them William A Person and that I'm the sheriff and I don't have a badge number, which for some reason upsets most of them even more. Apparently the concept of Sheriff confuses them because they keep calling me "officer".

Still they demand to know who my supervisor is and so I explain that I'm the sheriff and so I am the supervisor. It might seem odd to some folks that the sheriff wouldn't have a supervisor but you see Person County has a population of around 40,000 give or take a few and being as my great great grandfather Thomas Person founded the county I don't usually have a lot of people who question that.

So I usually suggest that if I'd could just have their ID and registration I'll write them a summons and they can be on their way.

Now at this point you'd think they'd just say "get on with it and give me my ticket" but still some go on about the "I know my rights" horse dirt.

So at this point I end up having to explain their rights to them. That they have a right to remain silent and if they don't get me an ID they will be taken to jail where they can explain to the county judge who happens to be my brother in law who they are and why they didn't provide an ID when asked. I further explain and he may or may not let them claim their car from the impound lot on Wednesday because he only holds court traffic court on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Now at this point you would think that they would have a change of heart and realize that rather than talking to me they could be 1/2 to Chapel Hill by now if they would just let me write my darn ticket and get on with my day. 

But for some reason only known to God and them they want to argue with me. 

They want to see the radar. They want proof they were speeding.

Now we don't have radar in Person County so I have to explain that I followed them all the way from the Golden Corral to the Marathon Station which has a POSTED SPEED LIMIT of 35 miles per hour and they were doing better than 50. Of course they swear they never saw me, which was because they were too busy talking or texting on their cell phones. 

Now let me add that our county's motto "Everything is Better in Person" was not my idea. Someone thought it was cute and I try not to take offense. 

But I'll tell you this getting a traffic ticket "in Person" would be a whole lot less painful if you'd just give me your darn driver's license. 

Please Drive safely. 

William "Bubba" Person - Sheriff

CMPD: Crime is not the Problem it is Your Perception that's Wrong

Yesterday the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department's Public Information Office posted the following on "X":

Between April and June 2025, CMPD’s JADE Unit repeatedly arrested a juvenile involved in widespread vehicle break-ins across multiple jurisdictions in North and South Carolina. Despite multiple arrests, stolen firearms recovered and custody orders issued, the juvenile was released twice by judges and placed on CMPD's electronic monitoring. 

After cutting off the monitor the juvenile was linked to 100 more vehicle break-ins. On June 5, he was arrested again with two stolen firearms. Over the last three months, CMPD has arrested this juvenile eight separate times with charges including: 

·        Attempted Larceny of Motor Vehicles x 2

·        Larceny of Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle x 1

·        Felony Conspiracy x 21

·        Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles x 57

·        Possession of Handgun by Minor x 6

·        Possession of Stolen Firearm x 3

At least eight law enforcement agencies in both North and South Carolina have over 275 charges on this individual. This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Certainly a newsworthy story that the public should be aware of, and all important to illustrate the department's ongoing efforts to combat crime.

And then at the very end it goes nuclear grade stupid:

This juvenile and other repeat offenders’ continuous disregard for the law greatly impacts public perception of crime in Charlotte. Habitual offenders inflate crime statistics by increasing the number of incidents and victims, creating the misconception of higher crime rates, when in reality, many of these offenses are committed by the same individuals.

Cedar's Take:

This idiocy is troubling. They really do think you are stupid.

CMPD wants you the taxpayer and often victim to believe that crime really isn't so bad in Charlotte and that it is just your flawed perception of crime due to the same people doing the same crime again and again.

"We understand you were robbed 3 times and each time the crook took $1,000.00 worth of merchandise from your store, but we here at CMPD want you to understand it’s not so bad because it was the same guy each time!"

Seriously?

Just because every 3rd car you see in Steele Creek has a paper license plate doesn't mean they might be stolen cars. That would be a flawed perception.

The crowds of roaming thugs and hoodrats in Romare Bearden Park are just out for an evening stroll and that gunfire you think you hear is just celebratory pop rocks, never mind the crowds running down the street screaming out in fear. Uptown is very safe. To think otherwise is just a misconception. 

Remember a double homicide is really just one crime and not two.

What is it about Chief Jennings? Why suddenly is everything coming out about his shady dealings? Who with good conscience would take a $77,000 payment for moving.

Required council approval but the approval was never given? Was it even reported as income?

Who would in good conscience tell the PIO to spin repeat offenders as the cause of increased crime?

Why do the "CrimeMapper" numbers not true up?

Patrick Cannon, Tiawanna Brown, Anthony Fox have nothing on Chief Jennings.

Taking bribes, steal from the SBA, shady business connections, and the usual do you know who I am, you can't give me a ticket.

Vi Lyles and her free Myers Park Membership and the list goes on and on but small carrots to where we are now.

The lack of transparency is stunning.

The truth is smart people understand that "the perception is the reality".

$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.