CMPD Officer Arrested

Sometimes you just got to shake your head. I know dozens of Officers. I have family with CMPD and a nephew who is a deputy chief in Charleston. I don't know any law enforcement officer who would find themselves in this sort of mess.

But here we are, we have a CMPD Officer who took it upon herself to threaten a neighbor, not just with violence but personal retribution.

Published on July 30, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, July 30, 2025) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Freedom Division is conducting a criminal investigation that resulted in a charge of Communicating Threats against CMPD Officer Jazmin Featherstone.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, shortly after 7 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon (No Injury) call for service in the Freedom Division. The 911 caller reported being threatened by a female. The victim also stated that a family member of the female pointed a firearm at her and made additional threats.    

All parties involved were voluntarily interviewed by detectives at the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) at 601 E. Trade St. At the conclusion of interviews, the victim pursued criminal charges with the Mecklenburg County Magistrate. A criminal summons was issued for Communicating Threats against Officer Featherstone. A warrant was also issued for Shawn Marie Rice, 54, for Assault by Pointing a Gun, Damage to Property and Communicating Threats.

CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division is conducting a simultaneous investigation. Officer Featherstone is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

Officer Featherstone was off duty when the incident occurred.

Jazmin Featherstone Mecklenburg Courts Public Record

The arrest report:

On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did threaten to physically injure the person of LEISA HILL,

The threat was communicated to LEISA HILL ORALLY BY STATING THAT SHE WAS GOING TO FUCK HER UP AND REVEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION BECAUSE SHE IS THE POLICE and the threat was made in a manner and under circumstances which would cause a reasonable person to believe that the threat was likely to be carried out and the person threatened believed that the threat would be carried out.

Aso arrested in this madness is Shawn Marie Rice who also threaten to "Fuck Up" the victim. Then proceeded to point a weapon at the victim and destroy a mailbox.

Shawn Marie Rice Photo Courtesy MCSO

White Guy Murders Roommate? Seriously?

Charlotte doesn't have many white killers. But yesterday CMPD Officers rolled to a call for service at Coronado Drive. What they found was rather disturbing:

(Warning Graphic Descriptions)

On July 28, 2025, at 1055 hours, Independence Division Officers were dispatched to 4600 Coronado Drive in reference to DV Assault call for service. 

The caller stated that he had been in a fight with his roommate, and he was not awake. 

He stated that he "kicked his ass pretty good". Upon arrival they spoke to the 911 caller, William Bordsen (Bordsen) They also located deceased male lying on the living room floor. 

Homicide Detectives were called to the scene to investigate 

The victim was located with large amount of swelling to his face and eyes. There were small lacerations to his face, arms and legs. There were multiple large bruises all over his body. Blood was located on the victim's face, arms and legs.

Additional blood was located on blanket in Bordsen's bedroom, on the apartment walls and on the floor near the victim.

Bordsen was voluntarily transported to CMPD Headquarters to be interviewed by detectives. During the interview, he stated that at approximately 0400 hours, the victim was intoxicated and came to Bordsen's.room asking him for cigarettes. 

William Bordsen Photo Courtesy MCSO

When Bordsen refused the victim began to get angry. A physical fight then ensued.

During this altercation, Bordsen struck the victim with his fists an unknown number of times in the face and head area. 

At one point during the fight, he used box fan to strike the victim multiple times in the head. Mr Bordsen stated that after the victim had fallen to the ground and was attempting to get back up, he admitted to kicking the victim in the stomach and face multiple times. 

When questioned about the last assault with his legs to the victim's body, Mr. Bordsen admittedly stated that they weren't needed and ultimately regretted those additional kicks. 

Additionally, footprint was seen on the victim's forearm.

Mr. Bordsen also stated that he was sober during the fight and the victim was intoxicated.

Detectives searched through Bordsen's cellular phone with his consent. They located multiple photos and videos at approximately 0435 hours, depicting the bloody victim, alive, lying on the floor in the same location where his body was later found. 

Bordsen can be heard speaking in the videos to the victim in derogatory manner. He did not call 911 until 1055 hours, approximately six hours after the photos and videos were taken.

Detectives believe there is probable cause to charge William Francis Borden with First Degree Murder.

In Bordsen's police photo he looks like an angry cuss. 

William Bordsen Photo Courtesy CMPD

On Tuesday July 29, 2025  bail was set at $400,000 by Judge Cecilia Oseguera (D) who is up for re-election in the fall.

Good thing this piece of human garbage is in Mecklenburg County as he likely see no more than five years in prison. With a bail set at $400,000 unless he has family that will step up, he can start his prison sentence right away. 

Then we as a society five years from now, have to figure out what to do with a guy who is unemployable, 45 years old with a bad temper.  I guess the bank will foreclose on the condo and then sell the condo to a "flipper" maybe someone cleans out "his stuff" and the roommate's family will just take what they like. 

A lot of lessons here.

I-485 Death of a Family

The Saturday morning fatal accident on I-485 in Charlotte is of course tragic but when it claims six lives that is insane. 

Five of the victims were from the same family. They included three kids aged 1, 3 and 8 and two adults. The 16-year-old driver of other vehicle also died.

It happened on I-485 near Wilkinson Boulevard, where multiple agencies were responding to that crash. Mecklenburg County EMS said that the crash happened just before noon and had the interstate shutdown for about five hours.

"We responded to a heartbreaking scene this morning for a fatal traffic accident on I-485, where 6 lives were lost," Mecklenburg EMS said in a statement. "We are still thinking of their loved ones who are now faced with unimaginable grief."

According to news sources, a close friend of the family has started a fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 to support the lone surviving child in the crash, as well as helping to pay for funerals for the multiple family members who passed away in the crash.  

Reports are still preliminary but it seems the Chrysler was traveling I-485 Outer southbound with the family on their way to Carowinds for a summer family adventure.

Just south of the I-85 interchange a Honda CRV drive by a 16 year old moved into the Chrysler's lane of travel and apparently struck the Chrysler causing both vehicles to leave the travel lanes and impact a stationary tractor trailer. The impact destroyed both vehicles killing all but the one passenger instantly.

CP has been endlessly bitching about the TOTAL LACK OF LAW ENFORCEMENT on 485 for the last three years.

Abandoned vehicles sit on the shoulder not for hours but for days. Tractor trailers routinely park on exit and on ramps and even on the shoulder.

It is unknown if speed was a factor in this accident but drivers traveling well over the speed limit is normal, with many routinely driving in excess of 100 miles per hour.

This is not late night hooligans or a street takeover, many of these people are recklessly breaking the law at all hours even mid morning on a Saturday.

There is zero Law Enforcement presence on 485.

It is as if North Carolina Highway Patrol simply does not exist in Gaston or Mecklenburg Counties.

Now this lack of Law Enforcement has killed 6 people. Our governors' hands are covered in the blood of these victims. CMPD and NC SHP are just as guilty.

And to make matters worse no one, not the mayor, the governor, the chief of police, not one of them offered a public message of support to the victim's families or the first responders.

Only MEDIC a non government corporate service provider offered this:

“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this horrific incident,” MEDIC said.

Piper Glen Killer Still Awaits Trial a Year Later

On July 8, 2024 South Charlotte commuters were confronted a rather unexpected sight, homicide detectives and crime scene working a murder case on normally quiet Rea Road area of their daily drive.

Police would soon arrest Eric Watson for the murder. 

Eric Watson Photo Courtesy MCSO

Police Statement

On July 8th, 2024, Officers responded to the intersection of Rea Rd. and I-485 in reference to disabled vehicle call for service. Upon arriving and inspecting the surrounding area, the victim (Derrick Byas) was located deceased in the woods off the side of Rea Rd. 

The victim's vehicle was parked in the right travel lane with the hazard lights on.

Detectives observed gunshot wound to the left side of the victim's head. A discharged cartridge case was located in the victim's vehicle, and another was located next to the victim's body.

The victim's friends and family stated he is known to carry two cell phones. The victim's friends and family provided different phone numbers that had been used to contact the victim previously. 

Detectives searched did not locate the victim's cell phones, wallet, or keys to the vehicle at the scene.

Detectives obtained phone records on the three numbers provided by the victim's family. 

The victim was located at bar/club known as The Peace Pipe just prior to the incident. 

The victim's friends and family advised the victim took an emergency call and left abruptly to go and meet someone. The victim left the bar/club and approximately 2330 hrs. on July 7th, 2024.

Detectives reviewed the victim's records for one of the numbers and located call with at approximately 2318 hrs. on July 7th, 2024. Detectives obtained audio and video from the bar/club that captures the victim on the phone at approximately 2318 hrs. 

The victim is speaking about exchanging locations with someone and coming to meet them while on speakerphone. The victim leaves at approximately 2330 hrs. The victim's records show one of the numbers remained at the bar/club and the other numbers traveled from the bar/club and arrived at the scene at around the time of the incident. 

Witnesses in the neighborhood of the incident heard shots occurring at around the time of the victim's arrival at approximately 2345 hrs.

A silver sedan is seen leaving the scene with the hazard lights on toward Rea Rd. and Piper Glen Dr. shortly after the shots are heard. 

The vehicle makes U-turn and heads towards I-485. The victim's records show the two phone numbers he traveled to the scene with leave the scene and travel down Johnston Rd. outbound from I-485. The records are consistent with vehicle located on Real Time Crime Center cameras that is also consistent with the vehicle leaving the scene. 

This vehicle passes through FLOCK cameras and SC Tag: 830 ADG was captured. 

The two phone numbers that leave the scene eventually turn off.

The tag comes back to 2020 dark gray Lexus IS300 registered to a female at 848 Kathy Dianne Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707. 

Detectives researched and found it was associated with Eric Watson in database available to law enforcement. 

Eric Watson lives at 848 Kathy Dianne Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707.

Detectives obtained phone records for (redacted). The records show that the phone number was in the location of the incident at around the time of the incident. 

(Redacted) has several records in the area of 848 Kathy Dianne Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29707.

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

The victim Derrick Byas was no stranger to CMPD having been arrested a little more than a year before on B&E charges.

Derrick Byas Photo Courtesy MCSO

Update

Watson has been held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center since July 19, 2024 without bond. In February Judge Carla Archie denied Watson's request to set bail. 

Early this year attorney George Laughrun joined the defense. Laughrun is as well known and respected criminal defense attorney as the late Bill Diehl.

There's an administrative hearing set for August 7, 2025 but this formality has been pushed back time and time again.

11/07/2024 Reset by Court to 12/19/2024

12/19/2024 Reset by Court to 03/13/2025

03/13/2025 Reset by Court to 05/22/2025

05/22/2025 Reset by Court to 08/07/2025

We will stay on top of this as the case progresses.

Rodney Hamilton's Killer Sentenced to Prison Just 15 years in Prison This is Justice?

A man pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder in the slaying of a father who was gunned down in his car on Dec. 9, 2023, outside a west Charlotte bar.

Rodney Hamilton, who was 52, worked security at Reba’s Bar and Grill on Camp Greene Street near Wilkinson Boulevard. He was in his car when he was shot four times, officials said.

Jmar Davis Photo Courtesy MCSO

Jmar Davis, 53, was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison as part of the plea deal.

In court, Hamilton’s wife, Adreanne Gilmore, addressed his killer in the Mecklenburg County courtroom.

“I hope you don’t get out in 14, 15 years because you don’t deserve it. You are a monster,” she said.

Rodney Hamilton’s family wished the case went to trial and doesn’t believe the sentence was enough.

“That’s no justice for us. Some closure. But no justice,” said Marilyn Hamilton, family member.

Case Outline:

On: 12/09/2023 at approximately 0200 hrs.CMPD Officers were working in an off-duty capacity at Reba's Bar and Grill located at 2240 Camp Greene St. 

At approximately 0207 hrs, an Officer overheard approximately five gunshots coming from Camp Greene St just in front of Reba's Bar and Grill.

As the Officer exited his patrol vehicle he observed two vehicles in the area of the gunshots and observed which is later determined to be the victim's vehicle (1989 Chevrolet Suburban two-tone color), slowly rolling on Camp Greene St away from Wilkinson while at the same time observed black male subject walk from the victim's vehicle towards the driver's side door of suspect vehicle (2015 Buick Enclave SUV). 

The black male subject entered the driver's door of the vehicle and fled outbound Wilkinson from 'Camp Greene St.

The vehicle flees at high rate of speed and passes through several red lights before wrecking into utility pole at the intersection of Old Steele Creek and Wilkinson Blvd. 

The driver was detained and identified as Mr. Jmar Demontae Davis dob 12/26/1985 The passenger was detained and identified as Mr. Corey L. Davis dob 03/18/1981.

Detectives on scene of the shooting (2240 Camp Greene St)located the victim, dob 11/23/1971, slumped over in the driver's seat of his vehicle suffering from several gunshot wounds was transported by MEDIC to the hospital and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 0340 hours.

Detectives spoke to a witness, at the LEC. who stated that at approximately 0205 hrs he was standing in the street outside of Reba's talking to the victim (who was seated in the driver's seat of his vehicle). Witness observed the suspect yell at the victim to move his truck out of the way and watched as he immediately went to the driver's door of his vehicle and retrieved firearm.

Witness stated that the suspect then returned to the victim's vehicle and racked the slide of the firearm back. Witness observed the suspect fire approximately (3) rounds outside the vehicle and reach into the - victim's open passenger window and shoot the victim séveral times. 

Witness watched the suspect return to the suspect vehicle and enter the driver's seat before fleeing the scene being chased by officers.

The driver, Mr. Jmar Davis, was transported to the hospital with head injury as result of the vehicle crash.

Detectives reviewed Officer's BWC video from the incident location. 

Officer's BWC shows the victim's vehicle slowly rolling on Camp Green St and Mr. Jmar Davis standing between the victim vehicle and suspect vehicle. Mr. Davis is observed walking back to the suspect car and entering the driver's seat. 

Officer is heard telling the vehicles to stop, followed by the suspect vehicle fleeing at high rate of speed on Camp Greene St and turning onto outbound Wilkinson Blvd.

Detectives collected (3) discharged cartridge casings inside the victims vehicle and (2) discharged cartridge casings: on the street nearby where the shooting took place.

The suspect, Mr. Davis, was transported to the LEC for an interview after being discharged from the hospital. Mr. Davis admitted to being at the club and overhearing confrontation outside the club, but was unable to remember any of the other events that took place including the shooting and fleeing the scene.

Judge Troy J. Stafford sentenced Davis to 180 months (15 years) in prison with credit for time served. The killer will be eligible for parole in 2038. 

Killers Among Us

Once the crime scene is cleared and the yellow tape removed, shortly after the headlines fade many of those arrested for their role in a homicide by CMPD are back on the streets. 

Two killers charged in 2019 and convicted in 2021 are already back on Charlotte's streets.

The Killers

Anthony Goodson Courtesy of MSCO

Fruqan Grice Courtesy of MSCO

The Victims

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 the murder of Marshall and Smith. 

Local Television News Station 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 the 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 would also be charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder.

The Plea Deal

In 2021 both Anthony Goodson and Furqan Grice would pled guilty to "Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon" at separate trials and both received a minimum sentence of  4 years and 3 months, plus one year of supervised release (parole).

The Release

Grice was released from prison on December 8, 2024 and will complete his Parole on December 8, of this year.

Goodson was released from prison on May 12 of this year and will complete Parole on May 12, 2026.

Cedar's Take:

Black Lives don't matter in fact Black lives are dirt cheap. Just ask the parents of 17-year-old Ibn Marshall and 18-year-old Anu'bius Smith.

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County a Justice System Beyond Repair

In Charlotte and Mecklenburg County one murder happens every 3 days. They make headlines and within a week the victim and the killer are forgotten only to be replaced by the next victim and the next killer

Since January 1, there have been 51 murders. Of those victims 2 where hispanic and one was white. The rest are African American.

Of those arrested for these crimes all are African American.  Of the 51 cases only 13 have determined and arrested a suspect.

This from actual court records.

On June 24, 2025, at 1928 hours, officers responded to 1900 Milton Rd. Charlotte, NC in reference to an assault with deadly weapon with injury. 

The reporting person advised that his friend had been shot. 

MEDIC also responded to the scene and pronounéed the victim,identified as Deontre Larnar Williams, deceased at 1941 hours. 

Dontre Larnar Williams Photo Courtesy MCSO

Detectives reviewed surveillance video from nearby business and CDOT. 

The videos showed the victim standing on the side of The Hup In with two other subjects. 

At approximately 1927 hours, the victim was shot and ran behind the Hup In where he collapsed. Video surveillance shows tan colored SUV traveling outbound on Milton Road with the two passenger side windows down. 

That vehicle appears to slow down and then speed off at the same time the victim is shot.

A short time after the shooting, detectives received Crime Stoppers tip from witness who saw someone shooting towards the incident location from gold Toyota highlander with temp tags before driving away and making U-turn about blocks away. 

The vehicle returned and shots were fired from it again.

Further review of surveillance video showed the tan Highlander traveling inbound on Milton after the shooting, then on The Plaza Road to E. Sugar Creek Road. 

The suspect vehicle is seen on Sugar Creek Road traveling towards I-85 and go through LPR at W. Sugar Creek Road near Cinderella Road. At approximately 1934 hours, the suspect vehicle hit the LPR with temp tag on the back. 

The vehicle turned onto I-85 south and then exited on Statesville Road. 

The suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the parking lot at 3607 Griers Grove Road.

Video surveillance from 3607 Griers Grove Rd. showed three males walking from the direction of the suspect vehicle towards the apartment complex at approximately 1942 hours.

At 1944 hours, the same males were observed on video surveillance in Northcross Apartments walking into the rear entrance at 1827 Griers Grove Road, Apt D.

Detectives obtained and reviewed video from other apartments in Northcross Apartments as well as video in the apartment complex before the murder.

One of the males was tall and of large build and was wearing black hoodie and black pants. 

Before the incident, the larger male wearing all black could be seen on video entering the passenger seat of the tan Toyota Highlander in the parking lot outside of 1827 Griers Grove Rd. Apt. D. 

The tall, thin male wearing the black hoodie and shorts entered the front passenger seat, and the smaller male wearing the light colored hoodie entered the back passenger seat.

Officers familiar with the apartment complex and the people in the area identified the tall, thin male as Darius Baptist.

Crime Scene Search processed the suspect vehicle, the tan Toyota Highlander, recovered from 3607 Beatties Ford Rd. and lifted numerous latent prints from outside and inside the vehicle. The Crime Lab determined that prints lifted from the exterior front right door belonged to Darius Baptist.

Based on these facts, am requesting: an arrest warrant for Darius Baptist for the murder of Dontre Williams and for conspiracy to commit murder.

Additionally Antonio Travis Ray has been charged with the murder of Dontre Williams.

Beyond the murder on Dontre Williams this case highlights a number of problems in Charlotte's criminal justice system.

• Dontre Williams the victimwas a known drug dealer but the Mecklenburg County DA doesn't prosecute drug crimes.

• The CMPD Crime Lab is underfunded and incapable of efficiently handling the task of identifying contraband.

• Charlotte is over run with fake tags, and stolen vehicles.

• Antonio Ray is a violent offender who should not have been on the streets of Charlotte.

His arrest record speaks for itself and the progression of ever increasing violent crimes is the non for violent offenders.

November 15, 2022 Weapons and Drug Charges Released 2 days later, - Charges Dismissed.

December 12, 2022 AWDWIKISI, Discharge Weapon into Occupied Property, Hit and Run (3 Counts)  Jailed on December 12, 2022 and Released on March 5, 2023. - Charges Dismissed.

March 6, 2023 Charged with Obtain Property Under False Pretense Released on an unsecured bond. Charges Dismissed.

August 7, 2023 Charged with AWDWIKISI and other crimes Released on August 10, 2023. Charges Dismissed.

October 4, 2023 Arrested by CMPD and charged with s dozen crimes including weapons and drug charges. He is held until October 21, 2023 Charges Dismissed.

October 24, 2023 Two days after being released Ray is arrested again and is charged with 33 counts including Assault with a Deadly Weapon (7 counts) Discharging Firearm into Occupied Property (11 Counts) AWDWIKISI, Felony Conspiracy, Possession Stolen Motor Vehicle, Larceny of Motor Vehicle, Flee Elude Arrest (2 Counts) Hit & Run (2 Counts), Injury to Personal Property, Interfering with Electronic Monitoring Device, Possession Marijuana.

Ray was held until trial on July 30, 2024 when he was giving a plea deal that dropped all the charges except Hit & Run and is sentenced to 6 Months prison given credit for time served and was released on August 7, 2024

January 2, 2025  Ray is charge with Trespassing Possession of Marijuana Possession of Control Substance Ray is released on a written promise to appear. Charges later dismissed.

January 30, 2025 Ray arrested again on Possession of Firearm by Felon and drug charges - Released on February 1, 2025. Charges later Dismissed.

February 11, 2025 Ray is charged with DWLR. He is Convicted on on May 14, 2025, but because this is his 3rd Parole Violation he is held from his arrest date, until May 12, 2025.

June 24, 2025 Ray kills Dontre Williams just 43 days after being released from jail. 

July 7, 2025 CMPD Homicide Detectives secure a warrant for Ray’s arrest on the charges of Murder and Felony Conspiracy. But it takes CMPD Officers 10 days to locate Ray.

July 17, 2025 Ray along with 17 year old Darius Baptist is Charged with Murder.

Ray is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center without bail.

And what about Darius Baptist?

Because he made a life altering choice to befriend Ray his life is over as well. Even if he is acquitted his association will follow him until he commits another murder or is killed himself.

And so it goes.....

The Not Surprising Connection - United House of Prayer and Gun Violence

If you grew up in Charlotte in the 1960s as my parents did you likely remember things like "Park N Shop" and Eckerd Drug Stores, a Mecklenburg County Police Department with "yellow" Ford Crown Vics and Sugar Creek, Hemphill Heights, and Hidden Valley neighborhoods that were some of Charlotte's nicest.

And if you are wondering what happened look no further than 4000 West Sugar Creek. 

As white flight took over the area, certain members of Charlotte's Black Community saw opportunity to prey on those struggling and looking for hope. 

In the early 1980's The late Bishop C.M. "Sweet Daddy" Bailey built an empire with "other people's money" yet he wouldn't save those he would swear he was helping. 

4000 West Sugar Creek

4000 West Sugar Creek

Bailey's 13,356 square foot Charlotte home sits on 16 acres and has a tax value of $4,307,000.00. 

Yet Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte collect no property taxes on the home because the it is in the name of Bailey's church the United House of Prayer for all People.

Today of the area at one time known as Hemphill Heights is a run down excuse for housing, that is except for Bailey's home, that sits prominently in the former middle class white neighborhood. It was that sort of Brady Bunch neighborhood that in the 1970's presented tightly manicured lawns and friendly families that hosted neighborhood cookouts and Cub Scout meetings.

One such home is located at 5719 Anderson just around the corner from Bishop Bailey's home.

5719 Anderson Road Charlotte, NC

This home was reportedly Bishop Bailey's home before his mansion was completed in 1997. 

Even on the once prosperous Anderson Road this one house stands out for it's massive columns and a nod to the Colonial style in a neighborhood of ranch and split level homes.

Not surprisingly the property owner's tax bill address is the same as 4000 West Sugar Creek.

 1665 N Portal Drive NW Washington, DC 20012-1053 

Despite all the "I have a Dream" preaching, and righteous gospel singing the good Bishop could not see fit to step up and alter the life direction of a young teen who called this church owned property home.

1719 Anderson is the listed residence of Darius Baptist a 17 year old who last week was reportedly charged in the murder of 24 year old Dontre Williams at the Fast Mart # 3 on Milton Road.

The view that Darius Baptist saw every time he left his house was of the massive home that belonged to Bishop Bailey. Even on the night Darius jumped in a Tan Toyota Highlander and headed off to do a drive by on Milton Road.

 

Mecklenburg County a Criminal Justice System Broken

 Francisco Saavedra has been arrested more than 17 times in the last 3 years:

Yet not one conviction. 22 cases in Mecklenburg County with more than 53 charges and not one conviction.

November 27, 2024

On November 27, 2024 Saavedra was arrested and released on an unsecured bond with an order to return to court on November 29th that day after Thanksgiving.

On November 29th the charges are dismissed because the Sheriff's Office was not allowing "Out of Custody" defendants into the courthouse for "Holiday" Court on the day after Thanksgiving.

Judge Roy Wiggins additionally made the decision to not appoint counsel. 

1. POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE

VD-District Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - No Plea Agreement

1. POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE

VD-District Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - No Plea Agreement

3. POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

VD-District Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - No Plea Agreement

3. POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

VD-District Dismissals w/o Leave by DA - No Plea Agreement

Created: 12/09/2024 3:51 PM

December 23, 2024

Two days before Christmas 2024 and less than a month after the previous arrest CMPD Officers arrest Saavedra again.

On 12/23/2024, at approximately 1706 hours, responded to report of license plate reader hit in the area of Shamrock Dr and Eastway Dr in Charlotte, North Carolina.

circulated the area for the stolen white 2001 Ram pick-up truck NC license plate VEH9794(CMPD report 20241222234801) and located the vehicle nearby parked at gas station located at 1501 Eastway Dr.

The defendant, known subject who is known to steal vehicles, exited the store and was detained. Video footage from the gas station revealed the defendant driving and exiting the front drivers seat of the stolen vehicle prior to police arriving.

A car key in which started the stolen vehicle was located in the same area the defendant was seen inside of the gas station.

The defendant was taken into custody for possessing the stolen motor vehicle.

Less than 48 hours later, he is released on Christmas Day with a $1,500.00 secured bond.

On February 12, 2025 the case is dismissed by ADA K Huggins.

February 25, 2025

At approximately 1534 hours, Officers conducted traffic stop on Blue 1990 Honda Accord (displaying fictitious NC dealer|tag) at 5421 Hickory Grove Rd. Officers believed the vehicle to be stolen due to recent emails sent out by Detectives earlier in

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officers made contact with the Defendant, Francisco Javier Saavedra (06/29/1991), who was the sole occupant inside the vehicle. 

Officers ran the VIN through NCIC/DCI and confirmed the same to be stolen out of Mecklenburg County on 2/24/2025.

The Defendant is known to Officers and has been charged in the past with stolen vehicles.

The Defendant was charged with Possession of Stolen MV.

On May 21, 2025 the case was dismissed by Mecklenburg ADA

Voluntary Dismissal w/o Leave (Judicial Officer: WIGGINS, ROY H)

insuff. evidence

Charges: 1. POSSESS STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE (5601)

Created: 05/21/2025 9:10 AM

March 20, 2025 

CMPD Officers responded to 407 Arrowhead Dr. in reference to stolen vehicle call for service. The victim advised she last saw her vehicle secure in the parking lot of her apartment complex around 1330 hours. When she came out around 1600 hours the vehicle was gone. She indicated that she parked closest to the intersection of Arrowhead Rd and Elgywood Ln

Reviewing electronic monitoring participants observed the defendant plotting about 123 feet away. checked his pings and he is pinging right where the victim indicated she parked her vehicle.

Following his EM pings was able to correlate through street cameras that the defendant had stolen and was in possession of the victims vehicle.

Given this information am requesting warrants for larceny of motor vehicle.

Saavedra was arrested on March 26, 2025 and released on April 16, 2025 on a $30,000.00 unsecured bond provided he remain on electronic monitoring. 

Courtesy of liberal judge Jennifer Fleet.

On June 19, 2025 the case was dismissed by Mecklenburg ADA Kyle Huggins.

There is insufficient evidence to warrant prosecution for the following reasons: There is insufficient evidence to prove the defendant was the perpetrator.

The undersigned prosecutor provides the following additional information pertaining to the dismissal entered in this case:

The entry is blank.

Less than 48 hours later:

June 21, 2025

At approximately 1533 hours, officer responded to Larceny of Motor Vehicle call for service. This incident occurred in the parking lot of 4815 Community Cr.

Upon arrival officers spoke with the victim Geronimo Méndoza (Mendoza). Mendoza told officers he had went to the store this morning at approximately 0900 hours. Mendoza says he

came back home after the store and parked his vehicle right outside of his apartment building 4815 Community Cr. 

Mendoza says he came back outside at approximately 1230 hours and saw his vehicle was gone Mendoza's missing vehicle was white 2002 Ford Econoline Van with the South Carolina

License plate displaying 300-BCN. 

When officers got the vehicle information from Mendoza officers grabbed statement that will be scanned into the report. Mendoza received call from his brother. Mendoza's brother (unknown) facetimed Méndoza while officers were with him and showed officers, he was driving behind Mendoza's stolen vehicle Mendoza's brother fallowed the stolen Ford from the intersection of Harris Blvd and Sharon Amity all the way to 9501 Albemarle Rd. 

Mendoza's brother was following the stolen Ford van in his own white GMC Express van. Officers were told by Mendoza's brother that the Mendoza's brother told officers that when the suspect new he was being following, he parked the vehicle in the front entrance of the parking lot at the Home Depot parking lot from suspect in the stolen Ford van was bald Hispanic male wearing yellow shirt, with black shorts, and white baseball cap

Albemarle Rd. Mendoza's brother says eh continued to follow the suspect in his GMC van and the suspect started running behind the Home Depot into the woods.

Officers from Hickory Grove Division arrived on scene and began to set up perimeter behind Home Depot. Officers had perimeter set up from Parkton Rd to Spring Laurel Dr. K-9 was requested to the scene where they launched K-9 track. The K-9 tracked was casted from

10014 One Woodlake Ct at 1702 hours. Officers were unable to locate the suspect after the first cast. K-9 casted second track starting behind 11412 Spring Laurel Dr at 1718 hours. The suspect was still not located. Officers were able to get video footage of the suspect after officers found out he changed his shirt while fleeing the scene. 

The suspect was seen on camera in the backyard of neighboring house. The pictures and video footage of the suspect will be sent out to Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police Department through email to see if the suspect can be identified.

Once the suspect is identified warrants will be taken out for larceny of motor vehicle. The suspect was caught by witness driving the victims stolen vehicle within 48 hours of the vehicle being stolen. Mendoza's brother confirmed with officers from the pictures and video

footage that the suspect in the video footage was the same suspect he saw get out of the driver's seat of the stolen vehicle after following it.

The Stolen Ford Van was recovered in the parking lot of 9501 Albemarle Rd, and Mendoza was driven to the scene by officers to take his vehicle home. This vehicle was stolen and recovered within 24 hours and never was entered into NCIC/DCI.

On June 22, 2025, at approximately 1645 hours, attempt to locate was put in by electronic monitoring unit for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Officers were looking for the suspect who was identified as Francisco Saavedra (Francisco) from the video footage sent to officers by the owner of the camera footage. 

Francisco was also identified by Detective before this attempt to locate came out. 

Officers were going to go take out warrants today June 22, 2025, but then he was located by electronic monitoring for tampering with his device. Officers were able to confirm Francisco was the suspect

for this stolen vehicle because the witness Jeovany Olmos (Olmos) saw

Francisco exit the stolen Ford Van and flee from the scene just before it was recovered by officers. The incident numbers for the attempt to locate are 20250622164601. The incident numbers for the Larceny of motor vehicle are 20250621153300.

Francisco Saavedra was taken into custody on July 15, 2025 and was released last night July 17, 2025 on a $10,000.00 unsecured bond and a Pre-Trial Release agreement. 

Cedar's Take:

This is madness. You can't run a city, or a county like this. The Mecklenburg County DA should be removed from office.

North Carolina law allows for the removal of an elected District Attorney under specific circumstances. The process is outlined in G.S. 7A-66, which details grounds for suspension or removal, and involves a superior court judge. 

Grounds for Removal:

Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice:

Actions that damage the public's confidence in the justice system. 

This freak is continually allowed to break the law in Charlotte. Remember these five cases are just the crimes he's been caught committing in the last six months.

Props to Union County for at lease getting one conviction last year for stolen goods. But all he received was community service and 18 months probation.

Vi Lyles "Uptown Charlotte is Safe" Unless Its 2 am and the Encore is closing.

Local media are calling it a "Mass Shooting at 300 North Church Street Charlotte".

The official statement from CMPD is less dramatic:

"Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 300 block of North College Street in the Central Division.

On Sunday, July 13, at 2 a.m., officers responded to reports of ^gun shots^ being fired in the 300 block of North College Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim who had sustained a gunshot wound. This subject was pronounced on the scene by MEDIC.

Three additional victims were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds by MEDIC and two additional victims self-transported.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence."

While CMPD's PIO gives the address at 300 North College Street the address for the Hive Night Club the crime scene tape was on the alley between QC Social and the parking deck at 200 East 6th Street.

200 East 6th Street Charlotte, NC

Those who know Uptown clubs know that Encore Night Club ain't Whiskey River. 

Photo Courtesy of Hive Night Club 300 North College Street Charlotte, NC 

CMPD reported on Monday July 14, 2025, that the deceased employee of Encore was 37-year-old Arleigh Alexzander Bryant.

While Encore denied the shooting happened inside apparently an altercation started inside the club. There is no word in the altercation involved Bryant.

Both venues cater to the same crowd yet CMPD presence is zero when the clubs are open. Several uptown residents are shocked that CMPD doesn't have Officers on site nightly. Many these venues are given preferential treatment from both CMPD and Meck ABC. 

And so it goes another life lost to gun violence and another 5 people with life altering injuries.

An area of Charlotte that once saw families enjoying events at Spirit Square, Discovery Place and the Belk Theater / Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Places where the only thing dramatic was the Phantom of the Opera and violence was limited to a fight between the cast members of Cats.

Ten victims of gun violence 3 homicides Uptown in the last 10 days, including a CMPD Officer.

Local news media reported late on Monday evening that CMPD had arrested two men in connection with the Uptown mass shooting, according to court documents. 

Court records show CMPD arrested Damien Evans II, 25, and Shawn Cannon, 24. 

Shawn Cannon Photo Courtesy MCSO

Cannon is facing charges of Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Accessory after to Murder and Flee to Elude. 

Damien Evans, II Photo Courtesy MCSO

Evans is charged with two counts of Possession of Firearm by Felon and Possession of Stolen Firearm.

Both are convicted felons with countless arrests. Most of the charges have been dismissed by the Meck County DA Spencer Merriweather.

Case Update July 18, 2025

As a result of the continued investigation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) detectives identified a 16-year-old juvenile suspect and obtained warrants for their arrest.

On Thursday, July 17, the Statesville Police Department encountered and arrested the suspect.

The juvenile is currently being held in the Alexander County Detention Facility and awaiting extradition to Charlotte.

The juvenile suspect is charged with Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

Additionally Damien Evans, and Shawn Cannon both remain in custody. 

And y'all want to re-elect Vi Lyles?

Note: Yes I know gunshots is one word but if I quote the PIO release I'm obligated to quote it verbatim spelling errors included. Yes back in the day reporters and editors would put (sic) to indicate the error but no more (per the AP style guide).