Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the University City Division

Published on March 14, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, March 14, 2025) – As a result of continued investigation into the death of Cayden Morgan Casanova, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) obtained warrants for two juvenile suspects for Attempted Robbery, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Felony Conspiracy and Murder.

On Thursday, March 14, 2025, CMPD’s Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested the juveniles in relation to outstanding warrants from Lee County, South Carolina.

CMPD Detectives traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to interview the two suspects. At this time, the suspects are awaiting extradition to Charlotte.

Mr. Casanova’s next of kin has been notified of this development.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by the CMPD Public Affairs Division. Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact Detective Moran at (704) 432-2169 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250118-1612-02.

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, January 19, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Cayden Morgan Casanova, 17. 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 Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Moran is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250118-1612-02.

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, January 18, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 8700 block of Hollow Creek Circle in the University City Division.

On Saturday, January 18, shortly after 4:00 p.m., officers responded to a call for service along with MEDIC in the 8700 block of Hollow Creek Circle in regards to a subject needing medical assistance. Upon arrival, MEDIC rendered aid and discovered the victim had a gunshot wound. MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.

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.