Shots on Independence Boulevard kill 15-year-old, wound 17-year-old, CMPD says

A 15-year-old has died days after she and another teen were shot in the 2600 block of Independence Boulevard, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

It happened around 7:45 p.m. Friday near the Briar Creek Road exit, CMPD said in a July 14 news release.

“The investigation revealed that two juvenile female victims had sustained gunshot wounds and transported themselves to the hospital. On Tuesday, July 14, one of the victims, Ya-Monnie Houston, 15, succumbed to her injuries,” CMPD said.

“The second victim remains in the hospital in critical but stable condition.”

Obadiah Walker, 18, of Charlotte, has been charged with murder in connection with Houston’s death, court records show.

An arrest warrant reports Walker was in his vehicle when he fired shots into a Chevrolet Cruze, killing Houston and wounding a 17-year-old companion in the neck. The two girls were traveling with a group of people, including a 3-year-old, the warrant reports.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective,” CMPD said. “The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or the Charlotte Crime Stoppers Website.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 5:12 AM.