CMPD chief: Killing of 4-year-old ‘pierced heart of community’ as details revealed
The terrifying drive-by shooting that killed a 4-year-old boy as he slept was an act of teen retaliation, and at least seven people were recorded firing shots into homes, according to arrest affidavits.
Four teens have been charged with murder in the death of Caleb Flax, and court documents indicate he was not an intended target.
Police are searching for more suspects, including people who may have assisted the shooters, CMPD Chief Estella Patterson said at a news conference at police headquarters Friday.
“We’re here today because of a tragedy that didn’t just pierce the walls of a home,” Patterson said before extending “the deepest condolences” of police to the family of Caleb. “It pierced the heart of an entire community.
“I know words cannot bring him back, but when I met with the family, I told them we would move swiftly and be diligent to try and bring justice for Caleb,” Patterson said.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, she said, “an unimaginable act of violence unfolded on Grassy Patch Lane. In less than 60 seconds, at least 84 shots were fired into four homes where families were sleeping ... where loved ones should have been in a place of safety.
“Sixteen innocent victims’ homes were struck by gunfire,” the chief said. “A helpless 4-year-old child was killed, an adult was wounded, and 14 others were faced to endure a barrage of gunfire that could have taken more innocent lives.”
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. in the 900 block, and video shows the gunfire was indiscriminate.
“Video shows two suspect vehicles arriving on scene and turning off their headlights near 938 Grass Patch Drive at approximately 02:55 hrs,” court records say. “Video shows seven suspects exit the vehicles. It appears that each suspect brandished a firearm.”
Bullets also struck three unoccupied parked vehicles.
“After the shooting, the suspects ran back to the suspect vehicles and both vehicles leave the scene,” according to court records.
Patterson said police also are investigating where the shooters got their guns.
Ten adults and six young people were in the homes. Caleb was reportedly sleeping beside his mother when he was hit in the head by a bullet. A woman in another home was wounded, police said.
Charged with murder are Ar’montae Johnson, 16; Jaylen Vontae Barber, 16; Antonio Kahron Ladson, 17; and Ian Garland, 17, police said. Additional charges include attempted murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and conspiracy to commit a felony, CMPD said.
Investigators have not given details of the other three people seen on video shooting into the homes.
Terrance Jackson, 22, of Charlotte is charged with accessory after the fact in the shootings, according to court documents.
The idea for the drive-by came together on the night of Sept. 19, when the teens were at a party at an Airbnb on Bryant Park Drive, off Wilkinson Boulevard and West Morehead Street, records show.
“During the party, the decision was made to go shoot a house in retaliation for a shooting that occurred on September 19, 2026, at 3025 Silver Birch Drive,” court documents say. Garland, one of the 17-year-olds charged in with murder, lives on Silver Birch Drive.
The teens left the party to carry out the shooting in a stolen Mercedes-Benz and a stolen Infiniti – then “dumped” the vehicles before returning to the party in a Jeep, police said.
Surveillance video and cell phone records were used to confirm many of the details shared by witnesses at the party, court records state.
Police declined to identify who they believe was the intended target of the shooting.
Officers urged anyone with information about the shootings, including about others who may have been involved, to call CMPD homicide Detective Keith Trietley at 704-432-8477 or the Charlotte Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 704-334-1600.
This story was originally published October 2, 2026 at 11:39 AM with the headline "CMPD chief: Killing of 4-year-old ‘pierced heart of community’ as details revealed."
