Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the North Division

Published on May 16, 2026

Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the North Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, May 16, 2026) – As a result of continued investigation, CMPD detectives and the Crime Gun Suppression Team (CGST) have identified Kmari Ja’Suan Knotts, 19, as a suspect and warrants were obtained for his arrest.

On Saturday, May 16, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) detectives located and arrested Knotts without incident. Knotts was then transported to the Law Enforcement Center for an interview with homicide detectives. Following this interview, he was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Knotts has been charged with:

1^st degree murder
Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill or Inflict Serious Injury X 4

The victim’s next of kin have been notified of this arrest

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Smereka is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App, or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20260322-1939-04.

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Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the North Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, March 23, 2026) – As a result of the continued investigation, officers identified two additional victims, bringing the total number of people shot during this incident to five. One victim self-transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, and the other was transported by MEDIC for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The deceased victim in this case has been identified as Richard Jeddiah Thomas, 20. The victim’s next of kin have been notified of his death.

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Homicide Investigation in the North Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, March 22, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 5900 block of Hucks Road in the North Division.

On Sunday, March 22, shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 5900 block of Hucks Road.

Upon arrival, officers located three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced deceased on scene by the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD). The second and third victims were transported to local hospitals and are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, MEDIC and CFD also responded to assist.

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