UPDATE I: (Thursday, August 20, 2009)
Homicide Detectives arrested three people for the murder of Palo I. Childress. Detectives with the Homicide Unit worked closely with the Gang Unit and North Tryon Division officers to develop the information which led to these arrests.
This homicide is determined to be gang related and not a random act. Mr. Childress, a gang member, was shot and killed by members of another gang. Homicide Detectives worked through the night last night as information developed to locate, interview and arrest the listed individuals.
Those arrested and their charges are as follows:
** Warren Jae Avery - Murder
** Marco Santaine Davis - Murder
** Antonio Joshua Dade- Conspiracy to Commit Murder
** Kiera Thompson - Conspiracy and Accessory after the Fact of Murder
For information on the CMPD’s efforts to intervene and prevent local youths from joining gangs please visit the Gang of One link on the CMPD website @
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CMPD/Investigative+Services/Criminal+Investigations/Gang+Intelligence/Gang+of+One.htm.
Gang of One is a program of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Gang Intelligence Unit and is a gang prevention and intervention initiative that utilizes a network of local resources to address youth needs related to gang membership and educates citizens about local gang trends.
Contact Gang of One, 24/7/365 @ 704.432.GANG/4264 or gangofone@cmpd.org.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide detectives are conducting a homicide investigation at 3800 Michigan Ave in the North Tryon Division. The victim has been identified as Palo I. Childress.
Shortly after 12:00 p.m., on August 10, 2009, North Tryon Division officers responded to an assist Medic call. The call for service advised that a male victim had been found lying in an open field.
When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim lying in a field unresponsive suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was then pronounced deceased on scene by Medic.
Based on witness statements gathered during the preliminary investigation, neighbors heard what they thought to be firecrackers last night. However, according to 911 records there were no calls in reference to possible gunshots or firecrackers in the immediate area. Detectives believe that robbery is the apparent motive for this shooting.
Detectives with the Homicide Unit and North Tryon Division officers conducted a neighborhood canvass and are speaking with neighbors to gather additional information. Crime Scene Search was on scene as well, photographed the scene and collected physical evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective. Detective M.Santiago is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
