Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Freedom Division

Published on January 23, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, Jan. 23, 2025) – As a result of the continued investigation in the homicide of Graham Stanley Burnell Bennett, 30, detectives identified three suspects in connection to this case.

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) located and arrested Za’Cariya Smith, 19, and Malik Rose, 24.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, VCAT, with the assistance of the Salisbury Police Department, located and arrested Marquel Coleman, 26, in Rockwell, North Carolina.

All three suspects were transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to be interviewed by homicide detectives. At the conclusion of these interviews, the three suspects were transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

All three suspected are charged with the following:

Murder
Robbery
Conspiracy

The victim’s next of kin has been notified of these arrests.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by 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 James 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: 20251018-1701-00.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive in the Freedom Division.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, shortly after 5:00 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim who sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC.

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, Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also assisted.

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