UPDATE: Homicide Unit Detectives have identified Earnest Howard Gurley Jr., as the suspect in the murder of Benjamin James Gurley. The incident began as a verbal altercation between the father and son, which then led to the shooting. Mr. Gurley was charged with Murder and is being held at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. This is Charlotte, NC's 24th homicide of 2012.--------------------------------------------
Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation at 3157 Fairfax Drive in the CMPD Providence Division. The call for service came in at 8:43am. The victim has yet to be positively identified.
Providence Division patrol officers responded to an A/D/W call in reference to a person shot at the above residence. The 911 caller stated that he had just shot his son. When officers arrived on scene, they located a male subject on the front lawn suffering from an apparent gunshot wound; he was pronounced deceased at 8:51 a.m. Officers immediately took the suspect into custody.
Based on evidence gathered at the scene, the shooting occurred inside the residence and the victim was able to make it outside where he collapsed. The suspect has been transported to police headquarters for questioning. Once the victim has been positively identified, his name will be released.
Detectives with the Homicide Unit are canvassing the neighborhood to determine whether there are any witnesses to this incident. The investigation is in its early stages. As additional information develops, it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs. Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Ladd is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.