Homicide Investigation in the Freedom Division

Published on September 02, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation regarding an incident that occurred in the 200 block of Hoskins Mill Lane in the Freedom Division.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Shortly after 12 a.m., officers responded an Assault with Deadly Weapon call for service in the 200 block of Hoskins Mill Lane. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Sean Nicholas Watson, 48, with a gunshot wound.

MEDIC transported Watson to Atrium Health with life-threatening injuries. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Watson succumbed to his injuries.

As a result of the continued investigation, CMPD detectives identified David Gary Graves, 40, as a suspect in connection to this case and obtained arrest warrants.

On Sunday, Aug. 31, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) located and arrested Graves.

Graves was later transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) where he was interviewed by homicide detectives. At the conclusion of this interview, Graves was transported to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Graves is charged with Murder and Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Mr. Watson’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 Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Moore is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting 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:20250828-0037-00.

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