Two charged with May murder of teen shot to death in east Charlotte, CMPD says

This story was originally posted on May 14, 2021, and updated on Dec. 24, 2021

Reports of gunfire in the Phifer Heights area east of uptown Charlotte led police to finding a teen with fatal bullet wounds in mid-May.

The victim was identified as Jeremiah Nathaniel Woodard-Pegues, 16, CMPD said.

Investigators have charged Tracey Lamont Witherspoon Jr., 18, and later a male juvenile with murder in the case, officials said. The juvenile’s name is not being released due to his status as a minor, police said Dec. 24.

The deadly shooting around 9:20 p.m. on May 13 in the 1800 block of Allen Street, off Parkwood Avenue, according to a news release from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. The area is southeast of Cordelia Park.

The victim was found with a gunshot wound and died at the scene, police said.

“While investigating this homicide, officers observed a vehicle in the area and learned the vehicle was stolen,” CMPD said.

“Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and fled from the officers. ... CMPD’s Aviation Unit followed the vehicle and directed officers to where its occupants had jumped and ran from the vehicle. Officers quickly apprehended the vehicle’s occupants.”

Witherspoon was interviewed by detectives and later charged with murder, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call CMPD at 704-432-TIPS and speak to a homicide detective. Tips can also be offered anonymously to Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or charlottecrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published May 14, 2021 at 6:09 AM.