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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating a series of deadly shootings that officials say are linked to “simple disputes” between local high school students.
Over the course of a week there were several shootings across Charlotte that left one dead at 16 and 3.
Detectives said the recent shootings were linked to brawls between high school students in Hopewell, North Mecklenburg and Julius L. Chambers (formerly Vance).
[ RELATED: CMS superintendent says recent violence, shootings involving students ‘has to stop’ ]
“What I’m here to tell you today is that all of these cases have to do with Hopewell High School,†McNelly said. “And there are also, we believe, links to North Mecklenburg High School and Chambers, formerly Vance High School, as well. And we believe these tragic events were due to simple disputes – what started as teenage dispute games has turned into a deadly game which has now claimed two lives, â€said the CMPD captain. Joel McNelly at a press conference Wednesday.
Here is a timeline of connected crimes:
Sunday September 5 – Homicide on Trinity Road
Officers responded at around 6:30 p.m. to the scene of the Trinity Park Apartments on Trinity Road, near Lakeview Road. Upon arrival, police found three people who had been shot.
Police said Jaylen Foster, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two victims were taken to hospital for their injuries.
On Monday, CMPD said a 14-year-old suspect was charged with Foster’s murder.
Tuesday, September 7 – Filming on Kiev Drive
Just after midnight Tuesday, a house in the 5300 block of Kiev Drive was hit. Police said no one was injured.
[ RELATED: CMPD: High school students tied to drive-by shooting that killed sleeping toddler ]
Tuesday, September 7 – House destroyed on Joe Morrison Lane
About an hour later, another house was shot down in the 11300 block of Joe Morrison Lane. No one was injured, according to CMPD.
Tuesday, September 7 – Two houses destroyed on Kiev Drive
About 24 hours later, just before midnight, two houses in the 5300 block of Kiev Drive were shot down. Officers said no one was injured.
Tuesday, September 7 – Asiah Fiquero, 3, killed in shooting on Richard Rozelle Drive
At approximately 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to several 911 calls regarding a shooting along Richard Rozzelle Drive, off Rozzelles Ferry Road, near Mountain Island Lake. When police arrived at the scene, they found Asiah Fiquero, 3, who had been shot while sleeping.
The child was rushed to hospital but did not survive.
“I don’t know why this happened – I don’t know what’s going on,” the boy’s great-grandmother Susie Whitley told Channel 9 on Thursday. “I will miss my grandson, my great-grandson so much. He was only three years old. He has just been taken away. He was going to celebrate his birthday in December. But now it’s all gone.
According to detectives, two cars pulled up in front of the house and several shooters targeted the house, discharging more than 150 rounds.
Investigators said on Friday that Qua’tonio Stephens, 21, was charged with an afterthought of complicity in Asiah’s murder.
No other arrests were made in the drive-by shooting.
[ RELATED: Man charged in connection with shooting that killed 3-year-old boy ]
Thursday September 9 – Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools placed under modified lockdown
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said four high schools were placed under a modified precautionary lockdown on Thursday, releasing the following statement:
“The District takes the safety and security of our schools, students and staff seriously. We are aware of threats involving Julius L. Chambers, North Mecklenburg, West Mecklenburg and Hopewell high schools. Law enforcement is actively investigating and will have an increased presence on these campuses until the end of this week. Schools are continuing their learning as planned and, as a precautionary measure, are subject to a modified lockdown. “
According to CMS, a modified lockout “is triggered when there may be a danger outside of buildings or off campus. Students and staff are moved (or stay) in classrooms and perimeter doors remain locked, including the front office. Classroom instruction continues normally and necessary movements may occur within a building. “
CMS confirmed that random security checks were carried out at Independence High School, West Mecklenburg High School and Hopewell High School on Thursday. No weapons were found, according to the district.
The CMPD, along with Huntersville Police, told Channel 9 they had stepped up their patrols and officer presence at several high schools through the end of the week.
CMPD captain Joel McNelly said it was not clear whether the Charlotte shootings were gang-related, but the possibility was under investigation. He also said that an increased police presence was occurring at all three high schools, and reiterated that detectives believe everyone involved is high school students.
Anyone with information about the shooting should call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. You can also leave information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Come back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.
(Watch below: CMS Superintendent on Recent Violence Involving Students: “It must stop”)
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