Case Update: Tuesday, January 24, 2012- The victim in this case has been identified as George Watts, DOB: 08/26/1933.
Detectives with the Homicide Unit have charged Wilbert Sinclair Smith Jr, DOB: 09/05/1979, with Neglect Disable/Elder Serious Injury. Mr. Smith turned himself in to police custody and was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Strothers is the lead detective assigned to this case. In addition, you may call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Mr. Smith, the stepson of Mr. Watts, was the primary caregiver for Mr. Watts.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are conducting an investigation in the University City Division, where one person was found deceased. The victim was found inside a residence at 10616 Hellebore Road. The initial call for service was received at 6:52 a.m. on January 21, 2012. The victim has been identified, pending family notification, the name will be released.
University City Division officers responded to the residence in reference to a death investigation. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a person that appeared to be deceased for several days. Detectives are interviewing relatives of the deceased. At this time, it is a suspicious death investigation and not believed to be a random act of violence.
Crime Scene Search responded to the call for service to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The Arson Task Force (CFD, CMPD) is assisting with the investigation. Representatives of the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team responded to the scene as well.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Strothers is the lead detective assigned to this case. In addition, you may call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
