Charlotte man living in relative’s shed admits killing him, stealing ATM card
A 23-year-old Charlotte man pleaded guilty to killing his 79-year-old relative, stealing his ATM card, and withdrawing money, according to a Wednesday press release from the district attorney.
Desmond Elijah Dunlap was sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison in January by Judge Donald R. Cureton, Jr. for the second-degree murder of Fred Dunlap in July 2024.
Fred Dunlap was reported missing on July 22, and found dead at his home in the 1000 block of Bobby Lane on July 24 from “an apparent trauma,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said in a press release.
The family told investigators Desmond Elijah Dunlap lived in the back Fred Dunlap’s residence in a shed, a police affidavit said. He was present the last time in-home physical therapists saw Fred Dunlap on July 19, the affidavit said.
Police found the 79-year-old man’s body concealed when searching his home, the affidavit said. Desmond Elijah Dunlap was not at the property and Fred Dunlap’s phone and credit card were missing.
Surveillance footage from banks showed Desmond Elijah Dunlap using Fred Dunlap’s Wells Fargo card twice. The first time was on July 20, 2024, when the 23-year-old withdrew $55 and the next day when he withdrew $800 in cash.
Desmond Elijah Dunlap was also charged with financial card fraud and financial card theft, according to court records.
