CMPD Homicide and Robbery Unit Detectives are conducting an investigation into a robbery-homicide that occurred at a Subway store, located at 626 West Sugar Creek Rd. The incident was reported at 6:58 pm on Monday, January 17, 2011.CMPD North Tryon Division officers responded to multiple calls for service in reference to gunshots fired. Upon officers’ arrival, they located Jamal Steven McKenith lying at the end of the strip mall suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. The second robber has been identified as Demetrius Nathaniel Thomas.
Based on initial statements from witnesses, McKenith and Thomas entered the Subway armed with handguns- with the attempt to rob the establishment. An altercation ensued when the employee did not comply with the suspects’ demands; the employee fired his weapon, striking both suspects.
McKenith and Thomas fled the scene. Jamal McKenith was found deceased at the end of the strip mall. Shortly after the shooting, Demetrius Thomas arrived at Carolinas Medical Center suffering from a gunshot wound. He has undergone surgery and will be jailed once he recovers from his gunshot wound.The employee was not injured during this incident and was transported to the Law Enforcement Center to be interviewed. Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to collect physical evidence. The K-9 Unit responded to the scene, along with A/D/W and Robbery Detectives, and the Gang Unit.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Fitch is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.