Sunday, February 28, 2010

Mom Leaves Children Unattended: Two Die in House Fire

Case Update: Orgal Paulette Opata has been charged with the following crimes in connection to the fire which caused the deaths of two of her young children:

* Four Counts G.S. 14-318 Exposing a Child to Fire
* Three Counts G.S. 14-318.4 (a) (4) Reckless/Gross Felony Child Abuse
* Two Counts of Murder
* One Count G.S. 14-69.3 Burning Resulting in Serious Injury to a Fire Fighter

Ms. Opata remains in the custody of the CMPD and will be transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. This is Opata's second arrest on child neglect charges.
--------------------------------------------------
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are assisting the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force with an investigation into an early morning fire which resulted in the deaths of two young brothers. The two boys have been identified as 2-year old Josiah Hawthorne and 1-year old Gabriel Hawthorne. The call for service came in at 6:06 a.m., on Sunday, February 28, 2010.

This investigation is in its early stages. At this point, we can confirm that the two youngsters who passed away were left alone inside their home along with two older siblings, a 4-year old boy and a 7-year old girl, who both made it out alive with the assistance of a neighbor. Detectives are currently conducting interviews to determine who was responsible for leaving the children unattended. At this preliminary stage it appears that this fire was accidental in nature and not intentionally set.

Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to photograph it and collect physical evidence. The Fire Investigations Division, Homicide Unit and the Special Victims Unit responded to the scene to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective H. McSwain with the Homicide Unit and Detective R. Klass with the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force are the lead detectives assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

** DONATE to CrimeInCharlotte.com **

Please help keep this blog up and running!

CLICK TO DONATE


ADVERTISE on CrimeInCharlotte.com







Friday, February 26, 2010

Providence Road BB&T Robbed

The man in the shown photo robbed the BB&T Bank branch located at 4309 Providence Road just before noon today.

Witnesses say the suspect is a black man, about 5'5", 130 pounds and was last seen heading toward Strawberry Hill from behind the bank. No one was hurt during the robbery.

Anyone who may have seen something in the area or knows about the robbery is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600 or call the Charlotte Division of the FBI.

Homicide Investigation in Steele Creek Division

Case Update: The skeletal remains have been identified as those of Keith Raymond Whitworth, a white male. Mr. Whitworth’s family has been notified of his death.

Mr. Whitworth was reported missing from Gastonia, NC, on December 2, 2009. The CMPD is investigating the case as a homicide and is working closely with the Gastonia Police Department.
--------------------------
Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are still working to identify the remains that were located off Strollaway Road in the Steele Creek Division. Due to decomposition, race has not been determined, however, there were some distinct clothing items that appear to belong to a male.

Detectives were able to recover a pair of Wrangler jeans, a black woven belt, and a pair of men’s sized Puritan brand underwear. Along with a white, Fruit of the Loom tank top located inside of a No Boundaries black long sleeved shirt. The shirt has a photograph of a Lion’s Head on the front. Inside the pockets of the jeans, a Seneca brand cigarette pack, with a blue lighter and a uniquely colored pocket knife displaying the yellow, red and silver. The pocket knife also had a cross emblem in red along with a photograph of a motorcycle on both sides.
Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the victim based on the detailed clothing description provided. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or contact Det. T Brandon at 704-432-TIPS.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Police Seeking Sexual Assault & Robbery Suspect

Case Update: The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) worked throughout the weekend and developed information that led to locating Mr. Carter at a hotel in Macon, GA. VCAT immediately coordinated efforts with the Macon Police Department and the US Marshals Service. Investigators with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force responded to America ’s Best Value Inn, in Macon, to search for Mr. Carter.

While at the hotel, investigators located a vehicle stolen from Charlotte 's Grier Heights neighborhood on February 27th. Investigators observed Mr. Carter come to the vehicle and before they could reach him, he fled from the scene. After a brief pursuit, Mr. Carter fled on foot. Macon Police Department Officers, K-9, Georgia State Patrol and Investigators with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force searched for several hours, finally locating the fugitive hiding under a house. VCAT will assist the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys' Office in coordinating Carter's extradition back to Charlotte for prosecution.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault and Robbery Units are traveling to Macon , GA today in an attempt to interview Mr. Carter. While Mr. Carter will be charged with the incident that occurred on Ferncliff Drive , detectives will continue to investigate other cases for his involvement.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department would like to extend many thanks to the State Bureau of Investigation, whose Laboratory unit provided expeditious analysis of forensic evidence in this case, and to the Macon Police Department, the United States Marshals Service and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force Service for helping coordinate the activities that led to Mr. Carter's arrest.
------------------------------------------------------
Case Update: Sexual Assault Unit detectives signed warrants against Jaunton Gregory Carter in regards to the cases involving the hit & run, rape, kidnapping and robberies that occurred on February 22, 2010. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team has been actively searching for Mr. Carter since late last night. Please contact VCAT at 704-336-VCAT, or simply 911, with any information as to Mr. Carter’s whereabouts.

The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) conducts fugitive recovery investigations and operations targeting the most violent offenders operating or located within the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County . The unit maintains sworn status through the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshal's Service in order to pursue individuals preying upon the citizens of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County wherever they may flee. Mr. Carter should be considered armed and dangerous.
-----------------------------
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Robbery and Sexual Assault Unit Detectives are investigating two offenses that occurred overnight.

The first offense occurred in the Providence Division at the 3000 block of Ferncliff Rd. Two female victims were driving home at approximately at 2:00 am when their vehicle was struck from behind at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads. The female driver exits the vehicle and walks back to check for damage where she is confronted by the other driver who is armed with a handgun and demands money. When the females are unable to produce any money, the suspect forces them to drive to an ATM. They were unable to withdraw any funds and the suspect then forced them to drive away from the bank. The suspect directed them to the 3000 block of Ferncliff Road , where he raped the driver and fondled the passenger.

The second offense occurred at the 700 block of McDonald Avenue , which is located in the Westover Division. In this incident, the lone female victim was driving home, when at approximately at 2:35 am, her vehicle was intentionally struck from behind. When the victim exited her vehicle to check for damage, the suspect confronted her with a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied with the request and the suspect immediately left the area.

It is believed that these incidents are related and the suspect is described as being a dark skinned black male, 5’10 in height, thin build with a goatee. He was last seen wearing wearing a black hoody. The vehicle is described as a small dark colored car. The suspect could be possibly following women leaving bars and nightclubs.

We are seeking the public’s assistance. In the first incident, the suspect vehicle was left at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads and may have appeared to be abandoned between the hours of 2:00 am- 3:00 am. Detectives are also seeking a possible witness to the first offense. A white mini-van was seen at Ferncliff or around the time of the assault. The victim’s vehicle is a small white car.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault and the Robbery Units, along with the Special Victims Unit are actively investigating both incidents. They will be in the area of both crimes canvassing for additional information and witnesses.

We caution that all motorists while driving at night to be aware of your surroundings. If you are involved in an accident, please drive to a well-lighted area that is well populated and call 911 immediately. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on and wait for police to arrive before exiting your vehicle.

Please advise the public to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, if they have any information regarding these cases. The lead detective assigned to this case is Det. C. Owens with the Sexual Assault and can be reached at 704-336-6030 and Sgt. D. Price at 704-336-4188.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Detectives Investigating a Shooting in the North Tryon Division

Case Update: February 21, 2010 7:50 p.m.

The CMPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team took Samuel Buckhalter, B/M, DOB 12/08/1977 into custody in reference to the shooting that took place at 3709 North Tryon Street . Mr. Buckhalter will be taken to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he will remain in their custody
---------------------------------------------

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police A/D/W and Robbery Unit Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred at 3709 North Tryon Street , which left one person seriously injured. The victim has been identified as Javaris Walker. He was transported to Carolinas Medical Center and is currently receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the face.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2010, North Tryon Division officers responded to a shooting call at the Burger King. The incident took place in the parking lot of the business. A witness stated that a black male, later identified as Samuel Buckhalter approached the victim’s vehicle where an argument ensued and a shot was fired. Shortly, thereafter, the suspect left the scene in a burgundy Chrysler 300. Mr. Walker then exited his vehicle and fell to the ground. The witness noticed that Mr. Walker had been shot in the face and stayed by his side until Medic arrived.

The suspect, Samuel Buckhalter, is described as a black male 6’01”, medium build, last seen wearing a blue and white horizontal striped polo shirt and blue jeans. The suspect vehicle is described as a late model, Chrysler 300, burgundy in color. A related robbery case (2010-0220-1047-01) listed Mr. Buckhalter as a suspect. After speaking with the victim in that case, she was able to identify Mr. Buckhalter as the person who robbed her and another person. No injuries were reported in this case. Based on the previous case and this one, warrants have been obtained for (ADWIKISI) - Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill or Inflict Serious Injury and Possession of Firearm by Felon.

Please advise the public to call 704-336-VCAT, or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, if they have any information as to his whereabouts. A reward is available through Crime Stoppers and callers may remain anonymous. The lead detective assigned to this case is Det. M. Smith with the ADW Unit and can be reached at 704-336-8964.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Bank of America on North Graham St. Robbed

There was a robbery just before 4:00 this afternoon at the Bank of America, located at 2300 North Graham Street. The FBI has very good surveillance photos of the robber. Witnesses say he's a black man, in his 30's, about 5'7", with a thin build. No one was hurt during the robbery. He was seen leaving the bank on foot in the Bancroft Street area.

If anyone knows who this man is, they are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600or the Charlotte Division of the FBI at 704-377-9200.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Court Watch Program - Join Today!

What is Court Watch?
Court Watch is a citizen run volunteer program that holds the court system accountable for the decisions it makes regarding case disposition and adjudication. The program does this by citizen monitoring of various aspects of the courts from pre-trial release hearings, trials, and sentencing. It basically gets neighborhoods to participate in the court process, allowing them to understand and perhaps influence how it is operated. While this concept is new to the Charlotte area, it thrives in others such as New Orleans where a well organized Court Watch program is in place.

Imagine this… A known prolific offender who has repeatedly been through the “system” has been arrested again for breaking into a home in your neighborhood. The Court Watch group that you belong to is notified and arranges for someone to go to the hearing where this person’s pre-trial release is being considered. A Community Impact letter is generated and sent by the group to the District Attorney’s Office, requesting consideration when pursuing the charges, which is then added to the case file. A Court Watch member is in the courtroom each time this subject is in court.

Getting started. The University City Division of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is willing to facilitate the creation of such a group in this area. A similar program has been initiated in the Providence Division by members of the community who are tired of being victimized by the same people who keep going through the system, and those who want to make everyone in the criminal justice system accountable, hopefully making their neighborhoods safer places to live. The Providence group was originally a small group of people, with a relatively small focus area. A couple of members stepped up to be the leaders of the group, and they are becoming more and more organized. The group works closely with officers to identify chronic offenders in their community that they are going to follow through the system.

The group has designed a logo to be used with the Police Division logo for shirts they are having made up. The idea is that each Division will have its own color shirt and members will be easily recognizable in court. They are also creating a website with information about their program and notes from their observations and experiences.

Interested? If you are interested in being a part of this new program, please e-mail Officer A. Stukey at astukey@cmpd.org indicating your name, address, and neighborhood. A meeting will be scheduled here at the University City Division team office on University Executive Park Dr. This letter is the seedling for this program; it is now up to residents to cultivate this program. There is likely to be some trial and error, but this program has the potential of being very successful in this area. We sent this out last year with only a few respondents. Please consider participating in this program.

Please check out the following website from the New Orleans program. The focus of this group may not be exactly what is intended for the University City group, but it does provide some useful information. Website: http://courtwatchnola.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Student Kills Former Teacher; Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison

Ashanti Bess
UPDATE: (5/4/11) Ashanti Bratlon Bess plead guilty to murdering his former teacher, Anthony Davis.  Davis was found dead in his southwest Charlotte home on Feb. 9, 2010.  Bess pleaded guilty to second degree murder and armed robbery and was sentenced to 21-26 years in prison.   Davis' family approved of the plea agreement, according to court officials.

Bess, 23, claimed that he was in the same house on Lady Liberty Lane as Davis the night of the murder and they were instant messaging each other.  During the text exchange, Davis asked Bess to give him a frontal massage and offered him money for sex.  Investigators never found evidence of instant messaging.  
----------------------------------------------------
On February 9, 2010, CMPD Officers were called by Anthony Davis' family to check his welfare after he had not shown up for work at Randolph I.B. Middle School on Feb. 8th & 9th.  Officers located Davis shot to death in his apartment on Lady Liberty Ln.  Davis' 2007 Ford Edge was also missing from his driveway when he was found.

The next day, CMPD Homicide Detectives arrested 22-year old Ashanti Bess for the murder and robbery of his former teacher, Mr. Davis.  Police say Bess met Davis 10 years ago when Davis was a teacher at Sedgefield Middle School and Bess was a student. Bess was also involved in the 'Right Moves for Youth' program which encourages teens to stay in school. Bess dropped out of that program while Davis continued to volunteer for Right Moves for Youth.

Police say Bess waited for Anthony Davis to go to bed and then shot and robbed him. CMS says Anthony Davis was hired to teach at Randolph Middle School in 2004 and had been employed with the school district in various teaching positions since December of 1998. The next day, police officers found Davis' vehicle off Back Creek Church Road and they towed it to police headquarters for processing.  In addition, Officers recovered items Bess stole from Davis' home on the night of the murder.