UPDATE: Homicide Unit Detectives have charged the following four suspects with the murder of Mr. Leon-Martinez: Kevin Hernandez, Joel Munos, Cruz Diaz-Pena and Yaair E. Uresti.
Earlier today, officers with the Civil Emergency Unit, personnel with the Charlotte Fire Department and detectives with the Homicide Unit retraced the path that the SUV fled the crime scene from and located a total of three firearms which were in the possession of the suspects at the time of the murder.
The weapons were thrown from the SUV during the pursuit by Eastway Division Patrol Officers. The timely response and outstanding effort put in by Eastway Division Patrol Officers made it possible for a quick resolution to be brought with the arrest of the four suspects involved. The first responding officer’s observations at the scene and subsequent actions during the pursuit proved to be invaluable during this investigation.
Homicide Unit Detectives worked tirelessly throughout the day interviewing witnesses and suspects in order to sign warrants against all four of the suspects at the scene of Mr. Leon-Martinez’ murder.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives are conducting a homicide investigation at 1601 Eastcrest Drive in the Eastway Division. The incident was reported at 4:13 a.m., on Sunday, September 26, 2010. The victim has been positively identified as Alenjandro Leon-Martinez.
Eastway Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to a male subject who had been shot in the parking lot of Mount Crest Apartments. An Eastway Division officer in close proximity to the shooting actually heard at least one gunshot while pulling into the parking lot and saw a white SUV leaving the lot.
A pursuit involving Eastway Division officers ensued onto Briarcreek Road and Commonwealth Drive which terminated when the SUV wrecked at the dead end of Commonwealth Drive. Multiple subjects fled the SUV subsequent to the wreck. Two subjects were taken into custody at the scene of the wreck; one additional subject who fled on foot was detained a short distance away.
The K-9 Unit assisted in the search for a fourth subject who fled the SUV; he has not yet been located. When officers arrived at the shooting, they located the victim lying in the parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medic arrived and pronounced the victim deceased on scene at 4:22 a.m. Witnesses to the shooting have been taken to police headquarters to speak with detectives. The subjects inside the SUV will also be taken to headquarters to speak with detectives.
Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to collect physical evidence and photograph the scene. The Gang Unit assisted with the investigation from its inception.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Purdy is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
