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Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have charged two men with murder and robbery in connection with the shooting of an 18-year-old man late Thursday night in an apartment complex near UNC Charlotte.
Police say the victim, Jonathan Ray Nelson of Charlotte, apparently was the victim of a robbery.
Jerry Fewell, 29, and Tahashi Tarine Matthews, 33, were charged with murder and robbery, police say.
Fey said a CMPD officer working off-duty late Thursday as a security guard at the Coleville Apartments on Arlyn Circle heard what he said sounded like breaking glass. The officer thought the sound might be coming from a vehicle break-in, Fey said, and he saw a dark-colored vehicle leaving the area. The officer called for support and asked police to look for the vehicle.
According to police, two CMPD officers assigned to the UNCC Campus Crime Reduction Unit responded and saw a dark-colored vehicle leaving the area with its lights off. Police stopped the vehicle shortly after 11:30 p.m. and took its two occupants into custody.
About 15 minutes later, a man who said he was Nelson's cousin arrived at nearby Carolinas Medical Center-University with the victim. Nelson died a short time later.
Nelson's cousin told police the two men were sitting in a car in the apartment complex parking lot when they were approached by two men wearing ski masks. The cousin said the two men tried to rob them and fired a shot during the robbery, hitting Nelson.
Police say a handgun was found nearby.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call CMPD detectives at 704-432-TIPS. Detective Steve Ladd is in charge of the case. Tips also can be phoned to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
