Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Freedom Division

Published on May 18, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, May 18, 2026) – The victim in this case has been identified as Odell Davis, 50.

As a result of the continued investigation, Freedom Division officers quickly identified Lionel Rodrigues Smith, 43, as a suspect in connection to this case and placed him under arrest.

Smith was transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to interview with homicide detectives. At the conclusion of this interview, Smith was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith is charged with the following:

First Degree Murder
Possession of a Firearm by Felon

The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death and 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 Dougherty 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: 20260517-1843-01.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, May 17, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 8100 block of Paw Club Drive in the Freedom Division.

On Sunday, May 17, shortly after 6:30 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 8100 block of Paw Club Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The Charlotte Fire Department pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates that all parties involved are known and officers are not currently looking for any additional suspects at this time.

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 MEDIC responded to assist.

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