Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Central Division
Published on January 15, 2026
Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, Jan. 26, 2026) – As a result of this continued investigation, detectives identified Jawonn Qua-Darius McIlwain, 27, as a suspect in connection to this case and obtained warrants for his arrest.
On Thursday, Jan. 22, McIlwain was arrested on unrelated charges.
McIlwain was taken to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) where he was interviewed by homicide detectives. At the conclusion of the interview, McIlwain was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
McIlwain is charged with Murder.
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 Moore 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: 20260114-1533-02.
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Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026) – The victim in this case has been identified as Elijah Vashon Parker, 23.
The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
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 Moore 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: 20260114-1533-02.
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Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation near the 300 block of Alpha Mill Lane in the Central Division.
On Wednesday, January 14, shortly after 3:30 p.m., officers responded to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service near the 300 block of Alpha Mill Lane in proximity to the CSX railroad tracks. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim who sustained an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced 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, CFD, MEDIC and Victim Services also assisted.
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 Moore 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: 20260114-1533-02.
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