Homicide Investigation in the Independence Division
Published on February 02, 2024
Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, February 2, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 8400 block of Strider Drive in the Independence Division.
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Independence Division officers responded to an assist medic call for service in the 8400 block of Strider Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a female victim, Nataly Martinez (DOB: 06/06/2002), unresponsive. Medic responded and transported the victim to Novant Matthews with a life-threatening condition. While on scene, responding patrol officers learned the female’s condition may not have been natural.
Homicide Unit detectives responded to investigate, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Detectives developed information to believe the female’s boyfriend, Freddy Renteria (DOB: 03/22/1998) caused the female’s life-threatening condition and attempted murder warrants were obtained for his arrest.
During attempted apprehension with assisting agencies outside of the CMPD’s jurisdiction, Mr. Renteria attempted to take his own life and was transported to an area hospital. CMPD is not looking for any other suspects at this time.
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, Ms. Martinez, was pronounced deceased at Novant Matthews.
On Friday, February 2, 2024, homicide detectives updated the warrant for Mr. Renteria’s arrest to murder.
The victim, Ms. Martinez, was transported to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Upon completion, the preliminary autopsy results confirmed homicide and not natural causes.
CMPD’s Homicide Unit would like to thank CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and the Mississippi Highway Patrol for their assistance in locating Mr. Renteria.
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-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Condron is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240201-0335-01.