16-year-old fatally shot near busy Charlotte intersection, CMPD says

A 16-year-old was killed when shots were fired in the middle of the afternoon near a busy northeast Charlotte intersection, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

The teen has been identified as Joseph Samuel, and he was a student Sun Valley High in Union County.

It happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of Tom Hunter Road near North Tryon Street.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. MEDIC transported the victim to a local hospital before they were pronounced deceased,” CMPD said in a May 19 news release.

Details of a suspect have not been released.

Maps show the 100 block of Tom Hunter Road is a mix of commercial and residential property.

The Union County Public Schools reports counselors were being provided for students at Sun Valley High School.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Anonymous tips can be offered through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:26 AM.