CMPD's "Crime Mapper" aka Crime Number Madness

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

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

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

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

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

But the reports and maps are riddled with errors.

Dates 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Pledge to You:

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

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

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

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

Maybe/Maybe Not

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

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

The "CrimeMapper" website offers the following disclaimer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, January 16, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Jaquad Malik Pearson, 19. Mr. Pearson’s next of kin have been notified of his death.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Grazier-Zerbarini is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.  For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250114-1938-00.

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

A week later the CMPD PIO release the following:

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

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

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

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

Both suspects are charged with Murder.

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

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

Another example

From the CMPD Press Release:

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

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

Seeing Double

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pronouns

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

The first CMPD Press Release reads:

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

The follow on release IDs the victim:

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

His death? 

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

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

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

Timing

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

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

The bottom line 

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

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

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

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

Is this deliberate? You tell me.

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

Up Next

More on the MCSO

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

University City Death Investigation

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

CMPD Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

More as details emerge.

Cedar's Take:

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

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

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

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

All great cities have famous hoods.

LA - Skid Row

New York - Harlem

Chicago - South Side

Philadelphia - North Philly

Miami - Overtown

LA - Compton - LA

New Jersey - Patterson

Greenville, SC - Woodside

Spartanburg, SC - Washington Avenue

Atlanta - Hopkins Street

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

17-year-old Navaeh Carter Homicide

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

The initial report was straight forward:

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

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

CMPD PIO added to the confusion with the following statement:

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

"His Death" was Carter actually a guy? 

If so was this a targeted hate crime? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The First 48 -

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

Jahlen Kewon McDonald

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

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

Thomas Cartee, III Photo Courtesy MCSO

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

Jahlen Kewon McDonald Photo Courtesy MCSO

Once again incarceration saves lives!

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

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

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

Officer's report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maurice Quick The Face of Evil

Maurice Quick Photo Courtesy of MCSO

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the CMPD report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maurice Quick is charged with:

Attempted First-Degree Murder

Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury

Assault with Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury

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

Assault on Female

Midsomer Crime of Domestic Violence

Violation of Domestic Violence Protective Order

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

The Eyes Have It! (ReDux)

It is often said "the eyes are the window to the soul" a quote often attributed to William Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci, the philosopher Cicero and even Jesus in the bible from Matthew "The eye is the lamp of the body" so it comes as no surprise that the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office see some really odd, freaky and often scary mofos.

Here's just a sampling from the last two weeks:

Robert Alex McCullum 

DOB 8/15/1971

DV PROTECTIVE ORDER VIOLATION

MISD CRIME OF DOM VIOLENCE

INTERFERE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

FALSE IMPRISONMENT

FELONY STALKING

Da'Shawn Anthony Tillman

DOB: 3/24/2001

LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE (FELONY)

FINANCIAL TRANSACTION CARD FRAUD (MISDEM

Isiah Stevenson

DOB: 2/21/2001

Second Degree Trespassing

Brian Paynter

DOB: 9/24/1972

RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Timothy Prince Record

DOB: 9/8/2005

SIMPLE ASSAULT

RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER

ASSAULT BY POINTING A GUN

Jennifer Lee Callan

DOB: 5/26/1980

DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED

DaJwon Hatcher

DOB: 4/30/1996

ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

Natalie Ruth Howie

Charlotte's independent news sources get a lot of things right. People like Charlitt, Charlotte News Alerts and others often post the stories long before "main stream media" even wakes up.

Sadly last week the post on Natalie Howie's death by Charlotte News Alerts got it wrong. According to CMPD investigators Ms. Howie took her own life.

Her obituary:

She was 18 years young and a senior at Independence High School.

Natalie was a lifelong resident of the town of Mint Hill and Mecklenburg County.

Natalie was preceded in death by her grandfather Dennis Abraham who she loved as Papa Abe. Natalie is survived by a large family that she loved and who loves her and will miss her dearly: dad, Dustin; mom, Lisa; big brother Trent; and her Yorkie Belle who Natalie loved with all of her heart. She is also survived by grandparents Gail Abraham of Concord, NC; Doris Hoke of Heath Springs, SC and John and Virginia Howie of Charlotte, NC; great great aunt Margaret Hill of Fairview,NC; fiancée Emiliano Leon, his dad Rene, mom Liliana, and brother Lauro; aunts and uncles, Steve Abraham of Charlotte, NC; Matt and Mary Osborne of Coventry, CT; Chad and Kym Howie of Ackworth, GA; Cameron and Leslie Howie of Fairview, NC; cousins Roby Abraham of Atlanta, Ga, Isabel Osborne of Coventry, CT, Eloise Osborne of Madrid, Spain, Alyssa Howie of Fairview, NC, Erick Howie of Fairview, NC, Priscilla Howie of Ackworth, GA, and Vivian Howie of St. Petersburg, FL.

Natalie never met a stranger and has many friends at Restoration Church of Indian Land, SC where she is a charter member, Independence High School where she was member of the National Honor Society, and at Chick-Fil-A Mint Hill where her favorite task was working the drive through line.

Natalie was planning on attending NC State University and studying to become a veterinarian. From the time she could walk and talk she loved and cared for every animal that crossed her path.

Natalie volunteered at school as a member of the student council, Youth Commission International, art club, and newspaper staff, at church as a teacher in children’s church, with the Special Olympics, YMCA day camps, and at KCBS BBQ contests.

Natalie’s favorite food was steak, she was a Steak Cook Off Association judge and loved to travel to contests with her Dad and big brother. Natalie was baby miss Mint Hill and baby miss Mecklenburg County in 2008.

Natalie’s family asks that if you have a family member who struggles with mental health that you get them any help that you can and that you hug and love them every day.

A celebration of life service for Natalie will be held on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at Restoration Church in Indian Land, SC. Visitation with the family will start at 10:00 am and the service will start at 12 noon. Please visit the church's website link for livestream info.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Natalie’s name to the building fund for the new sanctuary under construction at her church. Restoration Church, 8365 Possum Hollow Rd, Indian Land, SC, 29707

Cedar's Take:

Natalie's funeral will be tomorrow. It is hard to imagine why such a beautiful girl would take her own life. We as a society have a habit of hiding these stories. The News Media will not mention her death. There is the old idea that if one young person takes their life others will follow so it is better to not discuss this.

CMPD scrubs their Alerts and her death is only noted on the coroner's report and a closed homicide investigation files.

But news of Natalie's death and the details spread quickly neighbors knew within an hour, Independence High School sent a poorly worded message to parents and text messages between students were endless. 

Yes, sadly Natalie took her own life. We the public are trusting of investigators and yet there is always a nagging doubt and the question why? What could be so bad that she'd choose all that gave her joy?

Still the one takeaway is pay attention to your loved ones, friends, co-workers, fellow students and children. They have struggles and fears and often pain that is never visible.