Case Update: The victim was identified as Jermaine Marque McJunkin, 23.
***
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating an overnight homicide just off the Brookshire Freeway in northwest Charlotte.

The killing, which took place in the 300 block of Mattoon Street just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, was the city’s fifth homicide in five days.

Metro Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon at the West Down Apartments. When they arrived, they found a male victim lying on the ground. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Several witnesses were taken to police headquarters for questioning. Based on initial interviews, police said, the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence.

CMPD has investigated 28 homicides so far this year, up from 15 at this time last year.

WBTV video coverage of the investigation showed several apparent fights that broke out after the shooting. WBTV also is reporting that the fights involved members of two families who were upset about the killing.

Mattoon Street and nearby streets on the other side of the Brookshire Freeway have been the scene of several gang-related shootings in recent years, and police have been working with community leaders to curb gang activity in the area.

Anyone with information about the latest killing is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
***
The Charlotte Observer contributed to this report.

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement