Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Unit and A/D/W Unit are investigating a stabbing in the 2700 block of East Independence Boulevard in the Eastway Division. The call for service came in at 2:05 this morning. The victim has been identified as Sammy Davis Best.
CMPD Eastway Division officers responded to a 911 call in reference to two male subjects fighting at the Charlotte Inn motel. The first officer to arrive on scene pulled in front of the hotel along Independence Boulevard, as witnesses directed his attention to the concrete median that divides the roadway near Bojangles Arena. The witnesses stated that one of the subjects involved in the fight was suffering from stab wounds and was lying by the median. The officer was then directed to a male subject who was walking away from the scene towards Coliseum Drive.
As officers approached the subject, he ran from them and was taken him into custody. The subject was then transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Multiple witnesses have been taken to police headquarters for questioning. Based upon initial witness statements, the two subjects were involved in a verbal altercation at the motel, which turned physical as the argument proceeded towards Independence Boulevard. The victim received stab wounds and was pronounced deceased at Carolinas Medical Center shortly after his arrival.
The murder suspect, Kareem Anthony Banks, has been charged with the Murder of Mr. Best. Mr. Banks was treated and released from CMC. He will remain in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Best and Mr. Banks were previously known to each other; this was not a random act of violence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Sterrett is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
