Case Updates: Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit along with the Highway Interdiction and Traffic Safety Unit (H.I.T.S.) have completed their investigation into the death of Mr. Chris Henry.A toxicology report released by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office showed that former Cincinnati Bengal Chris Henry had no alcohol in his system when he died in December during a dispute with his fiancée.
The H.I.T.S. Accident Reconstruction Unit determined that there was no evidence of reckless driving or excessive speed by Ms. Tonga. The speed limit on Oakdale Road is 35 mph and the estimated speed at the time of accident was between 19-23 mph.
Homicide Detectives interviewed Ms. Tonga who was cooperative throughout the duration of the investigation. Her statement was consistent with witness accounts; however, there were no witnesses that actually saw how Mr. Henry came out of the back of the truck. Homicide Detectives obtained a witness statement that indicated that there was a verbal altercation that took place at the residence where Mr. Henry jumped in the back of the truck and began beating on the back of the vehicle when Ms. Tonga drove away from the residence.
The Medical Examiner ruled the death of Mr. Chris Henry accidental with the cause of death being blunt force trauma to the head from a fall. Ms. Tonga will not be charged in connection with Mr. Henry’s death.
Case Update: December 17th: At 6:36 a.m. this morning, Chris Henry died as a result of his injuries sustained during this incident. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives continue to work diligently on this active investigation.
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Detectives with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and H.I.T.S. unit are conducting an investigation at 1135 Oakdale Road. The call for service came in just before noon on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.
The victim involved in this case has been identified as NFL player Chris Henry. Chris Henry played with the Cincinnati Bengals as a wide-receiver. Henry had been placed on injured reserve list since Nov. 9th with a dislocated forearm, ending his season early.
North Division officers responded to an assist medic call in reference to a person down in the area of the 1100 block of Oakdale Road. When officers arrived, they found Mr. Henry in the road, apparently suffering life threatening injuries. Medic transported the victim to Carolinas Medical Center-Main where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.
Based on information gathered at the scene, a domestic situation began at 840 Peachtree Road. His fiancé, Loleini Tonga, got into a pickup truck and drove away from the residence. As she was driving away, Mr. Henry jumped into the bed of the truck. The domestic situation continued between the operator and Mr. Henry. At some point while she was driving, Mr. Henry came out of the back of the vehicle.
Detectives with the Homicide Unit and H.I.T.S. Unit are on scene conducting the investigation. Crime Scene Search is on scene as well, photographing the scene and collecting physical evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit. Detective N. McKee is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.