Russell William Austin

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police on Thursday arrested 16-year-old Russell William Austin and charged him with the Nov. 30, 2011 murder of Jamie Rea, 27, outside an EconoLodge on Independence Boulevard.

Austin also was charged with felony breaking and entering and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sheriff's records show that Austin had been arrested in Mecklenburg County at least five times previously last year, charged with crimes including breaking and entering, larceny and possession of a stolen vehicle.

He was being held Thursday in the Mecklenburg jail.
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ORIGINAL STORY: A man was shot and killed Wednesday night at an EconoLodge on Independence Boulevard, and police are searching for the shooter.

CMPD did not immediately release the victim’s name.

The shooting was reported at 11:44 p.m. in the hotel’s parking lot in the 3000 block of E. Independence.

According to an initial report, Metro Special Police were patrolling the grounds when they heard a gunshot and found the victim. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Detectives canvassed the area looking for physical evidence or witnesses. A K-9 unit also was brought to the scene. Police offered no description of the shooter.

Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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