Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the North Tryon Division

Published on May 21, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, May 21, 2026) – As a result of the continued investigation, detectives have identified Taquawn Lewis, 28, as the suspect in connection to this case.

On Thursday, May 21, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) with the assistance of the Rutherfordton County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Lewis without incident in Bostic, North Carolina.

Lewis was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and is charged with the following:

First Degree Murder
Possession of Firearm by Felon

The victim’s next of kin has 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 Diekhaus 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: 20260519-1438-04.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) – The victim in this case has been identified as Joseph Samuel, 16.

The victim’s next of kin has been notified.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) – The victim in this case has been identified as a 16-year-old juvenile.

The victim’s next of kin has been notified of their death.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 100 block of Tom Hunter Road in the North Tryon Division.

On Tuesday, May 19, shortly after 2:30 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon with injury call for service in the 100 block of Tom Hunter Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. MEDIC transported the victim to a local hospital before they were pronounced deceased.

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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