Suspect charged in death of 68-year-old man found along Central Avenue, CMPD says

The body of a 68-year-old man was discovered late Thursday, Nov. 6, along a busy stretch of Central Avenue, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

A cause of death for Gerald Barnes has not been released, but investigators have arrested and charged a suspect with murder.

“Shortly after 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a death Investigation call for service at the 1100 block of Central Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim that had sustained apparent trauma,” CMPD said. “Officers pronounced the victim deceased on scene.”

Adam Mercado, 34, was identified as a suspect, and arrested Friday by the Anson County Sheriff’s Office, CMPD said.

“At the conclusion of the interview, Mercado was ... charged with first degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon,” police officials said.

The 1100 block is between Oakland Avenue and Hawthorne Lane, and hosts a mix of multi-story apartment buildings and businesses.

Barnes was found “at a warehouse space,” WCNC reports.

This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 5:15 AM.