Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on December 21, 2025

Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, December 21, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 800 block of Farmhurst Drive of the Steele Creek Division.

As a result of this continued investigation, detectives have confirmed both homicide victims were shot at the same location during the same incident and then traveled away from the scene in an attempt to find help.

The victims have been identified as Samir Canales Molina,18, and Bravlio Galeano Ayala, 16.

Both Molina’s and Ayala’s next of kin have been notified of their deaths.

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 Murphy 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 report number: 20251220-0335-01.

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Homicide Investigation in the Westover Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 100 block of East Woodlawn Road in the Westover Division.

On Saturday, December 20, shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a check the welfare call for service in the 100 block of East Woodlawn Road. Upon arrival, officers located a subject with life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound.

That subject was transported by MEDIC to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased after succumbing to their injuries.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation. Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, Victim Services, Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also assisted.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Murphy 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: 20251220-0342-00.

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Homicide Investigation in the Providence Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, December 20, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 200 block of Hawthorne Lane in the Providence Division.

On Saturday, December 20, shortly after 3:30 a.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service at Novant Hospital located in the 200 block of Hawthorne Lane.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim with life-threatening injuries who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The individual was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

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, Victim Services and CFD also responded to assist.

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