Sunday, April 13, 2025

Another Charloot Homicide Hat Trick! - All Glory is Fleeting

On Thursday CMPD went all in on "Yay Me"

"Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced a strong start to 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of its proactive policing initiatives and unwavering commitment to community safety. Citywide crime fell 6% overall during the first quarter of the year. This includes a notable 17% drop in violent crime and a 4% decrease in property crime compared to the same period in 2024."

The self praise continued:

"These positive results, covering data from January 1 to March 31, 2025, underscore the CMPD’s ongoing commitment to proactive, data-driven policing and community collaboration to maintain public safety across Charlotte's 411-square-mile jurisdiction."

But wise men understand that "All Glory is Fleeting" and that self praise is nearly always followed by stunning failure:


48 Hours later:

On Saturday, April 12, shortly before 10:30 p.m., 

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 300 block of E. Trade St. in the Central Division.

Officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service in the 300 block of E. Trade St. Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported with life-threatening injuries and pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.


Qualo Trevon Daniels, 31 Photo Courtesy MCSO

The victim in this case has been identified as Qualo Trevon Daniels, 31

On Sunday, April 13, shortly before 2 a.m., 

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 4800 block of Wallingford St. in the Westover Division.

Officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service in the 4800 block of Wallingford St. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim with stab wounds. 


Stanley Williams 37 Photo Courtesy MCSO

The victim Stanley Alfonzo Williams II, 37 was transported by MEDIC to a nearby hospital and pronounced deceased by medical staff.

On Sunday, April 13, shortly after 6 a.m., 

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 200 block of Eastway Dr. in the North Tryon Division.

Officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service in the 200 block of Eastway Dr. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. 

The victim in this case has been identified as Javier Lee Martinez Hernandez, 23. 

The victim was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC.

Three murders in less than 12 hours. The epic hat trick of murder, a solid up your's to CMPD white shirts who jinxed themselves with the self congratulatory presser just 48 hours before.

Real Law Enforcement Professionals understand that no amount of policing can stop homicides. It takes more than just being at the right place at the right time.or flooding an area with patrol units.

Homicides are directly related to everything else that is wrong with a society. Poor policing, lack of basic law enforcement, a DA who is weak on crime, a judicial court system that is lenient on violent and repeat offenders.

And the weekend still has 24 hours to go. God Help Us!

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Sidney Cain Charged with Felony Death By Vehicle (Updated)

Overnight CMPD Officers arrested a tearful Sidney Cain (44) and charged her with felony death by vehicle and felony hit and run for running down and killing a pedestrian Michael Joseph Janik age 64, while driving impaired and leaving the scene refusing to give aid or render assistance.


Sidney Cain Age 44 Photo Courtesy MCSO

Cain is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $50,000.00 secured bond. 

She refused blood alcohol test so Officers sought and were granted a court ordered BAC. 

This is the second of two pedestrian versus vehicle accidents within about a two span. Both the Barrington Drive accident and this one on Fourth Street were fatal pedestrian accidents in Charlotte yesterday.

According to court records Ms. Cain fled the scene leaving the victim Mr. Janik in the roadway. Additionally she also refused a sobriety test and therefore her North Carolina Drivers License has been revoked. Officers concluded that she was driving while impaired and her car has been reported as impounded as well.

Fleeing the scene of an accident is essentially taken as an admission of guilt and is always a bad look. This lack of impulse control is not shocking. The behavior of someone who you might expect to have dozens of prior arrests yet a review of court records shows nothing. So why run? One can only assume it is a cultural thing.

Update:

Ms. Cain posted bail and was released on Friday. On Saturday the funeral for Mr. Janik was held at St. Marks in Gastonia. 

He attended Kent State University, where he earned a BS in Gerontology which is rather ironic. (Look it up)

After college, Mike embarked on a career in banking, first at Goodyear Bank in Akron, OH before relocating to the Charlotte, NC area in 1993 to work for First Union Bank, where he worked for over 30 years through its various transitions to become Wells Fargo. Mike left Wells Fargo in 2024 yet continued working part-time as a mixologist for the Levy Corporation as he had done since 2019.

That's right he was on his was home after working the Knight's game. No he wasn't drunk.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

CMS High School Teacher Arrested

 CMPD arrested Harding High School teacher Adrian Roy Lewis 34, after a Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) investigation.


Adrian Roy Lewis Photo Courtesy MCSO

On Friday, April 4, a school resource officer at Harding University High School reported allegations of inappropriate messages sent to a student.

Upon further investigation CMPD Officers interviewed a CMS teacher Adrian Lewis and placed him under arrest. He's charged with indecent liberties with a student and is being held on a $25,000.00 bond.

Indecent liberties with a student is a class "G" felony however does not mean sexual contact. 

Harding High School's Principal sent the following message to student parents via email late on Friday:

Good Afternoon Harding University HS families. This is Principal Johnson-Scott. We are reaching out to let you know that law enforcement came to our campus today to make an arrest of one of our staff members. We wanted to let you know about this incident as you may see this on the news. Although I cannot discuss personnel information, please know that it is being managed by law enforcement. 

The safety and learning of our students are of the utmost importance to us all. We take this matter seriously and encourage all students to report any concerns to their parents and/or school administration. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Say Something App. Harding University HS administration will ensure that daily learning is not impacted.

We appreciate your continued support of Harding University High School.

Cedar Update: Lewis posted bail and was released at 10:37 a.m. Saturday April 5, 2025.

Cedar's Take:

Suggestion don't text pics of "your johnson" to students.

Meanwhile CMPD won't arrest a nut case firing an AR-15 randomly in a neighborhood.

Here's how the local paper reported this arrest:

Charlotte high school teacher jailed, accused of sending lurid messages to a student

A teacher at Harding University High School in Charlotte was charged with a child sex crime Friday after police accused him of sending lurid messages to a student.


Friday, April 4, 2025

University of South Carolina student, 21, killed by illegal immigrant: DHS

An illegal immigrant on the run from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement charged in the hit-and-run crash that killed a University of South Carolina Nate Baker Wednesday.

Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24, allegedly fled the fatal scene after he failed to yield and rammed his pick-up truck into a motorcycle operated by Nathanial Baker, 21, on Blossom and Assembly Streets near the university’s campus in Columbia around 2 p.m., according to the Columbia Police Department. 


Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz, 24 Photo Courtesy City of Columbia, SC Police Department

The careless motorist, who was allegedly driving without a license, was wanted by ICE since 2018, a Department of Homeland Security source told The Post. 

“A South Carolina student was killed yesterday because of an illegal alien who had no right to be here,” South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace said in an X post Thursday.

“We’re going to fight like hell to get every last illegal alien out of South Carolina. We’re praying for the victim, his family, and the students at USC who have been touched by his passing. Hold the Line South Carolina.”

Sources said Fernandez-Cruz, a native of El Salvador, illegally crossed the US-Mexico border at an unknown date but was arrested by border patrol in Hidalgo, Texas on Dec. 24, 2016. He was released the next day and issued a notice to appear as DHS initiated removal proceedings.

An immigration judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, then ordered the illegal migrant to be sent back to his home country on Sept. 6, 2018, sources said.

South Carolina police said Fernandez-Cruz was driving with two male passengers when he killed Baker, a business major from Glen Allen, Virginia, and fled the crash site. He then abandoned his truck and was nabbed by a nearby officer who found and detained him near the 1100 block of Greene Street, according to cops.

ICE was notified of the arrest after police discovered Fernandez-Cruz’s name listed in the National Crime Information Center database.

The two passengers, who also ran from the scene, aren’t facing criminal charges, police said.

Scores of grief-stricken USC students have since created a memorial on a sidewalk near the deadly crash site, leaving behind messages in chalk, flowers, pictures, and candles, according to local reports.

“Rest in Peace, Nate,” one message said, WACH reported.

“Thank you for the memories. We love you so much.”

Baker’s fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, also shared their sorrow on Instagram, calling their fallen brother a leader, role model and a true embodiment of what their group stands for.


Nate Baker and Parents

“Nate Baker brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives,” the fraternity wrote in the post.

“Nate will always be remembered for the way he showed up for others and the impact he had on everyone around him. His passion, loyalty, and love for this brotherhood will never be forgotten. May we honor his memory by living with the same kindness, selflessness and generosity that he showed to everyone around him.”

The university released a statement calling the situation a tragedy. School officials offered their deepest sympathies to Baker’s family and friends while reminding the campus community that university counselors are available to grieving students.

Fernandez-Cruz was charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to give information and render aid, failure to yield the right of way, and driving without a license.

He is being held without bond at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and an ICE detainer in place.





Friday, March 28, 2025

Dirt Bike vs Toyota - Rider Didn't Respawn

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and a dirt bike that occurred in the North Division.

 On Thursday, March 27, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., North Division officers responded to a vehicle crash with personal injury call for service near the intersection of Brookshire Boulevard and Oakdale Road. 


Jermaine Holly Photo via FaceBook

When officers arrived on scene, they located a damaged dirt bike and an unresponsive rider, Jermaine Holly, 18, in the roadway. Nearby was a damaged Toyota SUV. 

MEDIC transported Mr. Holly to Atrium Health where he was pronounced deceased.

Initial investigation by the CMPD Major Crash Investigation Unit indicates Mr. Holly operating a dirt bike without lights on Brookshire Boulevard when he struck a Toyota SUV that was turning onto Oakdale Road. Mr. Holly was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver of the Toyota, Marlen Morrow, 52, was uninjured and was not impaired.

 Mr. Holly’s next of kin has been notified of his death.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Maya Jones - "Steel Knife to His Windpipe"


Maya Jones Photo Courtesy MCSO 03/24/2025

According to CMPD, on Monday, March 24, shortly after 2 a.m., officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon with injury call for service in the 3419 Burkland Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim with stab wounds. 

The victim was transported by MEDIC to Novant Presbyterian Medical Center and pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The victim in this case has been identified as Shamaree Desmond Bell-Brown, Black Male age 20.

At the scene, Providence Division officers identified and arrested Maya Jena Jones, 20, as a suspect in this case.

Detectives have charged Jones with Murder, and she has since been transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Cedar's Take:

No surprise CMPD's latest homicide arrestee was charged with domestic violence 3 days before Christmas last year and released on an unsecured bond the next day.  

It took her exactly 3 months to finish the murder of her boyfriend Shamaree Bell-Brown, age 20. 

Bonus points if the deceased turns out to be the father of her baby due in approximately six months.

When you stab someone to death it's personal and a level of hate and anger most people find hard to comprehend.

Amazing how these people behave. They have zero impulse control. 

At her first court appearance yesterday she was denied bond and will be held at least until her next court date on April 11th.

The prior arrest according to court records:

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 7:06 PM, CMPD Officers responded to 3419 Burkland Dr Apt regarding Domestic Violence Assault call for service. 

Upon Officers arrival, Officers spoke with the suspect Maya Jones. Jones stated that her and her boyfriend/victim (Shamaree Bell- Brown) got in verbal argument that turned physical. Jones stated that the argument started over Bell-Brown liking other female social media pictures

Jones stated that she went to grab his belonging to throw them outside and that's when Bell-Brown grabbed her by the arms and shook her. Jones stated that she had glass cup in her hands that she attempted to hit him but accidently struck herself in the face causing her an injury to her face


Maya Jones Photo Courtesy MCSO 12/22/2024

Jones stated that her brother then came to the residence and assist Bell-Brown out the residence. Jones stated while her brother was removing him, fight broke out between Bell- Brown family and hers. 

She stated that the police arrived shortly after. Bell-Brown stated that while they were inside of Jones room, when an argument occurred. 

He Stated that it started becoming physical, where Jones started grabbing her shirt and neck. Bell- Brown stated that Jones scratched him all over his chest and neck. Bell-Brown stated that he never hit her. He continues to state that her brother then came to the residence and forced him outside before they got in fight. Bell-Brown stated that the scratches on his chest and neck came from Jones prior to the fight with her brother.

Released on an unsecured bond it was only a matter of time:

On Monday, March 24, 2025, at 0150 hours, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers responded to 3419 Burkland Drive, Apartment in reference to an Assault with Deadly Weapon with Injury call for service. The

911 caller stated that his brother was stabbed. The victim, Shamaree Dezmond Bell-Brown (Brown) (B/M, 08/21/2004), was found to be suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at 0228 hours at Novant Presbyterian Main.

Detectives spoke with witness who identified themselves to law enforcement. The witness stated that they were woken up by an occupant in their residence stating that the victim and the defendant were fighting downstairs. The witness stated that they observed the victim holding the defendant's arms away from him, and the witness observed kitchen knife in the defendant's hand. The witness stated that they attempted to separate the two, and observed the defendant stab the victim in the chest.

Detectives interviewed the defendant, Maya Jena Jones (Jones) (B/F, 12/21/2004), who voluntarily waived her rights. Jones stated that she got into verbal argument with the victim. Jones stated that she went into the kitchen and grabbed (a) kitchen knife. Jones stated that she struck the victim while she was holding the knife.

Jones stated that the victim began strangling her, so she stabbed him. Jones stated that she attempted to stab the victim more than once.

Jones and the victim are in dating relationship, and Jones is approximately three to four months pregnant.

These people are messed up. They are violent with no impulse control and same behavior at WalMart, Popeyes or Spirit Airlines. There is no redemption. Incarceration saves lives.

[Chorus: Rihanna]

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn?
Well, that's all right because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry?
Well, that's all right because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie

[Verse 1: Eminem]

I can't tell you what it really is, I can only tell you what it feels like
And right now, there's a steel knife in my windpipe
I can't breathe, but I still fight while I can fight
As long as the wrong feels right, it's like I'm in flight
High off her love, drunk from her hate
It's like I'm huffin' paint and I love her, the more I suffer, I suffocate
And right before I'm about to drown, she resuscitates me
She fuckin' hates me, and I love it — "Wait!
Where you going?" — "I'm leaving you!" — "No, you ain't!
Come back!" — We're runnin' right back, here we go again
It's so insane, 'cause when it's goin' good, it's goin' great
I'm Superman with the wind at his back, she's Lois Lane
But when it's bad, it's awful, I feel so ashamed
I snapped, "Who's that dude?", I don't even know his name
I laid hands on her, I'll never stoop so low again
I guess I don't know my own strength

[Chorus: Rihanna]

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn?
Well, that's all right because I like the way it hurts
Just gonna stand there and hear me cry?
Well, that's all right because I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Drill Baby Drill

When CMPD Officers arrived on scene they likely found an engaged spouse Allan McCoy Dexter, III armed not with a gun but a cordless power drill.

Seems Mr Dexter decided he'd drill some sense into his live in girlfriend spouse and/or domestic partner Shannon Pope.


Allan Dexter Photo Courtesy MCSO

Allan Dexter charged with 1st Degree Kidnapping, Communicating Treats, Misdemeanor Domestic Violence, Assault With a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill and Attempted First Degree Murder.

According to court records Dexter "unlawfully, willfully and felonsely did assault Shannon Pope with a POWER DRILL a deadly weapon with the intent to kill her." 

There are no reports as to the condition of Ms. Pope. Medic declined to provide details if any.

This is might be Dexter's first rodeo with felonies but he has a rather colorful history of misdemeanor traffic offenses dating back to 1988.

Judge Matt Newton declined to grant bail and at least for now he'll remain a guest at the McFadden Hilton aka Meck County Jail until at least April 15th. Additionally a public defender request was granted at this morning's court hearing.