Two people charged in fatal stabbing at Charlotte Transportation Center in uptown
Two people accused of stabbing a 21-year-old man to death at the Charlotte Transportation Center last week are facing first-degree murder charges, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a press release Monday.
Sierra Guzman, 20, and Ricky Miller, 19, were arrested in connection with the homicide of Leashan McBeath, 21, who was stabbed multiple times at the facility at 310 E. Trade Street on Friday.
Guzman and Miller, who was arrested on unrelated charges in Union County, are also facing armed robbery and conspiracy charges, CMPD said.
A police report said three unnamed people robbed McBeath with knives, taking cash. It said they were unknown to McBeath.
However, CMPD’s press release said the homicide didn’t appear to be a random act of violence.
The Instagram account @charlittt_nc posted a video Friday of the security office in the transportation center.
An arrest warrant alleged Guzman and Miller stole $200 worth of cash and marijuana from McBeath. Court records said neither of their releases from jail were not authorized and no bond was set.
McBeath is the second person since December to die after a violent incident at uptown facility.
Another man, Joshua Overton, 32, died on Dec. 8 after an altercation with security guards and nearby civilians just outside of the Burger King at the transportation center. Police haven’t released what led to the altercation or what they think happened, but bystander videos showed part of the confrontation.
It’s unclear if city or transit system leadership have plans to make changes, review or discuss safety at the central hub for city buses, as well as a blue line light rail station.
CATS public relations declined to answer questions posed Friday, and on Monday, interim CEO Brent Cagle did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment.
Mayor Vi Lyles did not respond to requests for comment left with a city spokesperson on Friday and Monday.
In one of the videos from Overton’s death, a security guard, who was holding the door of the Burger King closed with her foot, began hitting Overton with her baton after he tapped her arm. Another video showed security employees and bystanders attempting to restrain him after he began trying to punch and kick people.
Police said Overton was unconscious when CMPD officers arrived, and was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital. CMPD and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office said Overton’s death was justified and that no charges would be filed.
