CHARLOTTE, N.C. — About half of the 50 turkeys on a truck that crashed on an Interstate 77 ramp in north Charlotte early Thursday did not survive the wreck, Animal Care & Control confirmed. 
Multiple agencies responded to a crash on the ramp to Exit 16B for Sunset Boulevard, a few minutes after 4 a.m. The ramp was closed for hours and is expected to impact traffic through Thursday afternoon’s commute. 
Animal Care & Control said there were about 50 live turkeys on the truck. About half didn’t survive. Those that did survive were put on another truck. However, three turkeys were unaccounted for. Officials say those birds were found after the truck was removed from the scene. 
Those turkeys were taken to Animal Care & Control and were transferred to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, where they’re being cared for and receiving treatment for injuries.  […]

Lawmakers are finalizing recommendations from a committee tasked with addressing crime in South Carolina among minors.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A House committee has wrapped up a series of hearings on crime among kids and teens in South Carolina. Lawmakers in the Ad Hoc committee wanted to figure to ways to address crime, hearing from officials and community members on issues ranging from status offenses like truancy, to weapon offenses and violence. 

According to data from SLED, about 7% of all criminal offenses in South Carolina last year were committed by minors. Lawmakers say they want to rethink how the state handles those offenses and reduce the likelihood of kids returning to jail for more serious crimes.

One major proposal under consideration would change the waiver process that determines when minors are sent to adult court. Under current law, a child of any age can be tried as an adult for murder — even as young as 12. The Department of Juvenile Justice is asking lawmakers to set a minimum age for adult court and give judges more flexibility on sentencing, which is currently set at a mandatory minimum of 30 years.

“Had that that juvenile had stayed in the juvenile process, you know, they’re looking at [serving] of 36 to 54 months. But now that we’ve put them into general sessions, the circuit court judge has to do 30 years minimum on a 16 or 17 year old,” said Rep. Travis Moore, R-Spartanburg.

Members of the committee also want to expand community programs that work to rehabilitate kids and steer them away from crime. One idea is to create a state certification process for these programs, which would open doors for state funding.

“I think that would give members confidence when we’re talking about budgeting for these folks, that we have at least a state certification program that some criteria are being met, and it’s uniform,” said Rep. Heath Sessions, R-York.

For status offenses, violations that are only illegal because of a person’s age, lawmakers are considering legislation that would keep those children out of jail altogether. DJJ officials told lawmakers that schools and social workers could handle issues like truancy, while community-based intervention programs could respond to cases like running away.

“Usually when law enforcement is called in the middle of the night, they have two options, detention or place into foster care, and neither one of those are really appropriate for status offenders,” said Eden Hendrick, Director of the state Department of Juvenile Justice

The subcommittee plans to keep refining its recommendations and begin drafting legislation. Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue when they return to the State House in January. […]

The last known video taken of Madalina shows the then-11-year-old getting off her school bus on Nov. 21, 2022.

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Friday, Nov. 21, marks three years since missing Cornelius girl Madalina Cojocari was last seen in public.

The last known video taken of her shows the then-11-year-old getting off her school bus around 5 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2022. Her mother Diana Cojocari and stepfather Christopher Palmiter did not report her missing for another three weeks, investigators say.

In the time since then, the Cornelius community and beyond has come together, praying for her to be found and calling for answers.

Both Diana Cojocari and Palmiter have served jail time for failure to report Madalina missing, though neither has been charged directly in connection with her disappearance. Both maintain that they do not know where she is.

Reports indicate that Diana Cojocari left the United States sometime last year, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

The case has taken several twists and turns and includes alarming findings revealed through court records and search warrants. Days after Madalina was last seen, her mother reportedly burned several of her daughter’s belongings including clothes and photos in a backyard fire pit. Authorities also said Diana Cojocari sent $4,000 to a priest in Moldova.

Search warrants also revealed authorities are exploring the possibility of sexual exploitation or trafficking. Documents show Diana claimed she and Madalina were in danger and needed to get somewhere safe.

Earlier this year, to mark Madalina’s 14th birthday, Cornelius Police released an age progression photo created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children showing what Madalina could look like today, hoping someone recognizes her and can offer details on what happened. 

Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding Madalina’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately. The North Carolina Governor’s Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible Madalina’s disappearance. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Rain will be extremely scattered overnight but most should clear out by the Friday morning commute.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wednesday afternoon saw a new record high in Charlotte of 79 degrees, breaking the previous record of 78 degrees set back in 1942. After a few rounds of spotty rain, another record-breaking day is possible this weekend.

Morning and Today

Watch for scattered showers across the Carolinas beginning tonight through sunrise Friday morning. Mostly cloudy with areas of drizzle through midday before highs reach the low-mid 70s.

Another round of showers, and even a few thunderstorms, is expected Friday night and Saturday morning, with more warmth and more moisture. It won’t rain all day, but we’ll take any rain we can get.

This Weekend

Mostly cloudy with another record high possible Saturday, with lots of warmth pushing in from the southwest. Highs in the upper 70s Saturday afternoon, before a brief cool down Sunday with plentiful sunshine.

Long-range forecast still shows a colder and drier air mass moving in after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to the holiday.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Big tech may be leading the artificial intelligence revolution, but a new report says that race is taking a toll.
Over the last few years, companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have poured hundreds of billions into building out data centers, buying specialized hardware, and fueling their AI ambitions. 
Now, more of that spending is being financed by debt which raises real risk, not just if AI doesn’t deliver, but if the cost of capital gets tougher. 
So, the big bet on AI could reshape these tech giants entirely, and it’s not a risk-free one. […]

A ruptured gas line was reported near Reed Street in Drexel, NC.

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A gas line was ruptured in Burke County on Thursday, causing a temporary shelter-in-place order.

The gas leak was reported around 2 p.m. near Reed Street in Drexel, NC, which is about six miles east of Morganton.

A construction crew accidentally ruptured a gas line in the area, according to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

Burke County officials urged all residents within a one-quarter-mile radius of the gas leak to stay indoors, turn off HVAC systems, and avoid anything that could cause a spark. Around 3:15 p.m., the gas leak was stopped.

No estimate was given on how long the full repairs will take.  […]

Federal officials said Border Patrol’s “Operation Charlotte’s Web” has resulted in about 370 arrests since its launch last weekend.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Department of Homeland Security pushed back on reports that Border Patrol’s immigration operation in Charlotte had concluded after making hundreds of arrests. 

“The operation is not over and it is not ending anytime soon,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement issued to WCNC Charlotte. 

The agency also issued an updated arrest total, stating that “Operation Charlotte’s Web” has led to the arrest of approximately 370 people since its launch last weekend. 

Sheriff Garry McFadden announced Thursday that Border Patrol was winding down its operations in Mecklenburg County. McFadden warned, however, that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would still be active in the Charlotte area. 

“We will continue to build relationships, mend bridges, and listen to the voices of everyone in our community,” McFadden said. “As we move forward, I want the city of Charlotte to know, I will keep fighting for clarity, accountability, and trust. I will continue to protect this city and every single one of its citizens.”

Two United States Department of Homeland Security officials told NBC News earlier in the day that Border Patrol’s operation would be ending soon, “at least for now,” and that Border Patrol may later return to the Queen City to resume its work. 

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles issued the following response on X addressing the situation:

“It appears that U.S. Border Patrol has ceased its operations in Charlotte. I’m relieved for our community and the residents, businesses, and all those who were targeted and impacted by this intrusion.   

As we move forward, it is essential that we come together—not as separate groups divided by recent events, but as one Charlotte community. Our strength has always come from our ability to support one another, especially in challenging times. I am calling on all members of our community to join in this effort. Let us stand together, listen to one another, and recommit ourselves to the values of dignity, compassion, and unity that define our city.  

Charlotte is strongest when Charlotte stands as one.”

It appears that U.S. Border Patrol has ceased its operations in Charlotte. I’m relieved for our community and the residents, businesses, and all those who were targeted and impacted by this intrusion.  As we move forward, it is essential that we come together—not as separate…— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor) November 20, 2025

RELATED: DHS updates arrest number for Charlotte Border Patrol immigration operation

Border Patrol is planning to target New Orleans next, though it’s not clear when exactly the operation in Charlotte will end and the New Orleans operation will begin. 

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) announced federal agents had made 250 arrests as of Tuesday evening. 

Federal agents have been spotted all over Charlotte this week, making arrests in all parts of the city. 

There have been multiple incidents where Border Patrol reportedly apprehended U.S. citizens, including an encounter at the Eastway Crossing shopping center on Tuesday. Multiple witnesses said a man repeatedly insisted he was a U.S. citizen while being detained. Border Patrol also had a presence in the Raleigh area while in North Carolina. 

WCNC Charlotte is working to confirm more information as to when Border Patrol is leaving the city. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.   […]

FBI agents say it’s one of the most horrifying trends online. Predators are convincing teens to harm themselves, and in some cases, take their own lives.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The FBI is asking parents to be on alert for a dangerous online scheme targeting kids and teens. 

Charlotte-based agents say sextortion is now taking on a new form, with predators convincing victims to physically harm themselves. One of the ring leaders was arrested in North Carolina earlier this year.

FBI agents say this is one of the worst —and fastest-growing — trends they’ve seen: online predators convincing victims to hurt themselves and in some extreme cases, to take their own lives. 

“So we see more sadistic groups operating online, and they’re looking to target vulnerable children,” James C. Barnacle, FBI Charlotte’s Junior Special Agent in Charge.

Predators are combing the internet, looking for victims in a new, horrific bullying scheme with devastating consequences.

“They’ll build up rapport with the victim so the victim thinks they’re a friend, and quickly that turns into trying to encourage the victim to harm themselves,” Barnacle explained. “We see a variety of self-harm being conducted by victims. Carving initials of the criminal actor into private parts, we see cutting, and we have seen quite a few suicides of the last couple of years.”

Earlier this year, the Department of Justice arrested two ringleaders. One of them was here in North Carolina, in the High Point area. 

Court documents show the predators help train other predators to groom victims and where to find those victims. From social media apps to gaming sites, even text messages on their phones. Barnacle says the bad guys specifically troll self-help websites. 

“If people have an eating disorder or people have emotional disorders, they may look on different websites to find other people that have something in common, right?” Barnacle explained. “So our criminal actors seem to target those websites and target those social groups where they’re talking about challenges that people face.”

Barnacle says parents need to monitor all of their kids’ activities.

“Pay attention to what your children do online. And that’s hard to do, right?” Barnacle said. “Kids want to be private. You want to give your kid the benefit of the doubt, give them the opportunity to be private, but you’ve got to talk to them about their online hygiene. Who are they talking to? Who are they communicating with?”

Contact Michelle Boudin at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  […]

Community leaders came out to remember those who died in the Charlotte homeless community in the past year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Community leaders gathered to honor homeless individuals who died in the past year, reading names and lighting candles as organizers warned that deaths among Charlotte’s unhoused population are climbing to unprecedented levels.

More than 2,300 people are currently homeless in Mecklenburg County, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing and Homelessness Dashboard.

Michael O’Sullivan, an organizer with Homeless Services Network, said this year’s memorial list is the longest the annual event has ever seen.

“Over the years the number of people who have died in the prior year, it’s been going up,” O’Sullivan said. “This is a much longer list than we’ve ever had. It shows that there are a number of people coming into our community and there are more people becoming homeless because of the prices of housing.”

The names read aloud represented fathers, mothers and families affected by homelessness. Among them was a 16-year-old who died by suicide.

“He was in a housing program, though it seems he and his mom and sister had not been stably housed,” an organizer said, adding that children living in cars and shelters face severe mental health tolls.

Liz Claysan-Kelly recalled finding a man dead on a cold January morning, a death she believes could have been prevented with stable housing.

“I don’t know the official cause of death, but it was so cold that evening, it definitely appeared the weather seemed to impact,” she said.

Organizers emphasized that the memorial serves as a reminder that the lives lost mattered and called for increased efforts to help homeless individuals find permanent housing.

“Every instrument played, every candle lit, every tear shed, and every name read represents” people whose lives were cut short by homelessness, organizers said.

Contact Siobhan Riley at sriley@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

Heather Morrow faces felony charges of assaulting a federal officer following her arrest on Sunday outside a Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A defense attorney is challenging federal assault charges against a Charlotte woman arrested during a protest at an immigration enforcement facility, claiming video evidence contradicts the government’s account of the incident.

Heather Morrow, 44, faces felony charges of assaulting a federal officer following her arrest on Sunday, Nov. 16 outside a Department of Homeland Security office in Charlotte. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges Morrow grabbed a Customs and Border Protection officer’s shoulders and attempted to jump on the officer’s back while they were arresting another person.

But attorney Javier de Janon said the video recorded by bystanders shows a different story.

“The Department of Justice very quickly released a press release essentially to the media, where they allege that Ms. Morrow grabbed the shoulders of CBP officers, jumped on their back, and all these other accusations,” de Janon said in an interview with WCNC Charlotte. “We just saw the video, and that is far from what actually happened.”

De Janon said Morrow, a school bus driver and grandmother with chronic health conditions, would not have been physically capable of jumping on an officer. He contends the video shows Morrow did not leave the ground or place her hands on officers’ shoulders before being tackled and arrested.

Following her arrest, Morrow was taken to the FBI field office in Charlotte, where she was held in handcuffs for most of the day without appearing in any tracking system, according to her attorney. She was later transferred to Gaston County Jail and held overnight before a federal judge released her on an unsecured bond the following morning.

De Janon said Morrow was unable to access her medications during the detention. He also said the FBI is still holding her cellphone, and the key to her vehicle remains missing.

De Janon urged caution as federal immigration enforcement operations continue in the Charlotte area, noting that attorneys are no longer being allowed to visit clients held at the FBI building. He encouraged people to document law enforcement interactions while being aware of potential risks.

“I think it’s good advice to continue recording,” de Janon said. “People have a First Amendment right to document law enforcement in this country.”

Morrow was among several people who gathered at the facility as federal immigration enforcement operations intensified in the region. Court records indicate she appeared in federal court Nov. 17 and was released on bond. […]

The grants issued reach a grand total of $1.723 million, supporting 63 arts and culture nonprofits and 43 individual artists or artist groups.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New grants from the city of Charlotte are going to over 100 local artists and arts organizations, the city announced. 

The 2025 Creative Growth Grants, administered by the city and the nonprofit Charlotte is Creative, are aimed at boosting Charlotte’s creative economy and expanding access to the arts. 

One of those recipients is Applesauce Group, a nonprofit founded in 2020 out of a desire to find ways to help people connect during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Winston Robinson, the founder and executive director of Applesauce Group, said the grant will allow the nonprofit to “be a vessel” by hiring more Charlotte artists.

“It’s exciting to know that a piece of the city in which you live has enough faith or has enough confidence in you to do the thing, to create, to make the city better,” Robinson said. “That is something I do not take lightly. That is something that is — it sparks a sense of duty and now I am excited to be a good steward of these funds to extend back to the community.”

Applesauce Group is now known for its events like The Great Westside Fish Fry — happening next on April 18, 2026 — and A Vibe Called Fresh — happening next on Sept. 20, 2026. Robinson said these events help create a “sense of joy” to connect people with resources around town, and this funding will help them bring that mission to life. 

“Now we can do the thing to connect the people, to show the creatives of this community, they can showcase their talents to the people who live here, who might be new here, who need that for their optimized lived experience in Charlotte,” he said. 

Tim Miner, Charlotte is Creative co-founder and chief creative officer, said they worked with the city to make sure artists and grassroots organizations had all the resources they needed to apply, including allowing for applications in multiple languages.

The grants issued reach a grand total of $1.723 million, supporting 63 arts and culture nonprofits and 43 individual artists or artist groups. 

“[The grants] will help create a community in Charlotte — whether you’re a creative or just a citizen — that draws people in, excites them, makes them proud to live here, and creates a legacy we feel will continue to go on,” Miner said.

Miner said the funding going toward artists and organizations will often come right back into the city or help lift up other local artists.

“In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, what this means is we get a lift not only in the vibrancy of our community, quality of life, but also by arming creatives and creative nonprofits with what they need to be successful,” Miner said. “It also lifts our local economy, and I think that’s what’s truly exciting about a grant like the Creative Growth grants.”

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement its part of the city’s effort to fuel “the creativity that exists in every corner of the Queen City” in line with the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan.

“When you travel, you don’t say, ‘Oh man, I can’t wait to go check out the city’s banking,'” Robinson said. “No, they’re coming to see us, the creatives, the things we do, the things we make, the things we produce. So to invest in the idea of a creative economy to allow that extension of impressions and imagery to go outward, I mean there’s only one result that’s going to make us better.” 

Contact Emma Korynta at ekorynta@wcnc.com and follow her on Instagram and X . […]

Cell tower records show defendants’ phones pinged near Brooks Sandwich House during robbery, murder

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Prosecutors presented extensive cell phone records and digital forensic evidence Thursday in the murder trial of two men accused of killing a restaurant owner during a 2019 robbery attempt.

Terry Connor and Steven Staples face murder, kidnapping, and robbery charges in the death of Scott Brooks, who was shot and killed at Brooks Sandwich House in NoDa on Dec. 9, 2019.

Digital forensic experts testified about cell phone data from numbers linked to people associated with both defendants, walking jurors through layers of communication records spanning several months.

One phone number showed interactions between a woman who shares a child with Connor and at least four different numbers. A contact saved as “Terry” showed more than 1,300 interactions between October 2019 and Dec. 8, 2019, one day before the shooting.

A new number saved under “TJ” appeared Dec. 9, the day Brooks was killed, and continued through Dec. 18, 2019. Two additional numbers saved as “TJ” showed interactions in 2020.

Prosecutors also presented a chart showing multiple numbers saved as “Husband” and communications between those numbers and the wife of co-defendant Staples spanning 2019 and 2020. Jurors received packets of data retrieved from the phones to review.

FBI Special Agent Matthew Wilde testified that cell phones associated with Connor and Staples pinged cell towers near Brooks Sandwich House in the early morning hours of Dec. 9, 2019. He explained how cell phones connect to towers as users travel, providing general location information.

Defense attorneys challenged the testimony, data accuracy, and data limitations. Defense attorneys also questioned how investigators confirmed the numbers were associated with the defendants and challenged whether cell tower data can pinpoint exact locations.

“Cell towers do not give an exact location, correct?” Connor’s attorney asked.

“That does not pinpoint an exact location. I can’t tell you the phone is on the steps of the courthouse,” Wilde responded. “What I can tell you is that the phone was using the tower near the courthouse.”

Wilde also testified that a phone number associated with the woman who shares a child with Connor pinged in Rock Hill, South Carolina, during the time of the crime. Her DNA was previously found on a shell casing recovered from the scene.

The trial resumes on Friday.

Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram. […]

Lincoln County confirms its 15th rabies case in 2025 from a raccoon attack on dogs.

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Lincoln County Animal Services confirmed the county’s 15th rabies case of 2025 after a raccoon that attacked family dogs tested positive for the disease.

Animal Services was notified on Nov. 14 of an incident involving a raccoon that had an altercation with dogs near the 400-600 block of Hill Road. The homeowner killed the raccoon and Animal Services submitted the animal to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing on Monday.

The lab confirmed the positive rabies test on Wednesday.

There was no known exposure to humans, and the dogs involved were up to date on their rabies vaccinations, according to Animal Services.

Animal Services recommends all pet owners ensure their indoor pets, outdoor pets, ferrets and livestock are current on rabies vaccinations and keep documentation confirming vaccination status.

Officials warn residents not to approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals include abnormal levels of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, ataxia, circling and excessive salivation.

Anyone who sees or encounters a wild animal that may be sick or exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior should call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.

Lincoln County residents can schedule appointments with Animal Services to receive one-year rabies vaccinations for $10 per pet for cats and dogs only. Low-cost clinics are also sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (HATS).

Download WCNC+ on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV or Samsung device, and stream the news that impacts you for free. […]

Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez was arrested last weekend after federal agents claimed he used a van to ram an ICE vehicle in University City.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse Thursday, demanding the release of Miguel Angel Garcia Martinez, who is accused of ramming multiple law enforcement vehicles during a border patrol operation.

Martinez’s brother Brayan Martinez, and sister-in-law, Lien Bermudez, say he was simply documenting the operation and not impeding it. They added that he is a U.S. citizen. The family wants him released and is seeking a chance to speak with him. They say only his girlfriend has been able to get a hold of him since his arrest on Sunday.

“It’s been hard for my family,” Brayan Martinez said at the courthouse. “My mom, it was heartbreaking for her to hear about it.”

Martinez’s family told WCNC Charlotte’s Julie Kay that he would be released on an unsecured bond sometime Thursday night. 

According to an FBI affidavit obtained by WCNC Charlotte, the 24-year-old is charged with felony assault on federal officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon. It accuses him of using his white Dodge Sprinter van to strike a government vehicle carrying federal agents. Investigators alleged that Martinez had been following Border Patrol agents and taking pictures of their vehicles that he posted to a private Instagram chat. Those images were later shared publicly, investigators claim. According to the affidavit, officers attempted to approach Martinez to warn him to stop interfering with the operation. Instead, he sped away, triggering the chase, investigators claim. 

During the chase, the van allegedly struck a Ford Expedition with its lights and sirens activated. Officers eventually boxed in the van and arrested Martinez. 

His family disputes that account.  

“In every video that we have, you can see him maneuvering around officers, keeping his distance from officers,” Bermudez told WCNC Charlotte.

The dozens of protesters agreed that the charges against Garcia Martinez are false.

“Grateful,” Bermudez said. “Just knowing that these people are here to show support for our community, not just Miguel, but for the entire immigrant community.”

Contact Julie Kay at juliekay@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.  […]

Nevaeh Carter was shot and killed inside a car on North Graham Street in May. Her family’s been fighting for justice for months.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A suspect is facing charges, including murder, in connection with the killing of a 17-year-old Monroe High School student in north Charlotte earlier this year.  

Tracoby Meeks, 25, is charged with murder and felony conspiracy for his alleged role in the death of Nevaeh Carter on May 31. Carter was shot and killed while inside a car on North Graham Street. Meeks is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. 

“We finally exhale,” Carter’s family said in a press release following Meeks’ arrest. “We’ve been living every parent’s nightmare. Our baby girl deserved to grow up. She deserved to live.” 

A vigil was held shortly after Carter’s death. Her parents, Tyrone Carter and Jamie Cureton, thanked the community for their prayers while dealing with the unimaginable loss. 

“It hurts. My body is numb from it,” Carter said. “If anyone knows anything, if you have anything, call the detective’s office or somebody.”

Mothers Advocating for Real Change and Unwavering Support, a Monroe-based nonprofit advocating for stronger consequences for violent crime, has voiced support for Carter’s family since her death. 

“We will stand with Janie and Tyrone through every court date, every hearing, and every moment of this journey,” Tina Sykes-Mosley, the founder of M.A.R.C.U.S., said. “Their daughter mattered. Their pain matters. And they will not walk this alone.”

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with CMPD homicide detectives. 

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  […]

Authorities say Rachel Cluna misused around $81,000 of school funds for gambling purposes.

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A woman accused of misusing school organization funding for online gambling was arrested by Union County deputies.

Rachel Cluna, 53, was arrested for embezzlement by the Union County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. 

Investigators say Cluna was the treasurer for the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) at Cuthbertson High School. They were notified of misappropriated funding on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Cluna is accused of misusing $309,360 connected to the organization. Around $85,000 of the total was connected to online gambling.

Cluna was released from Union County jail after posting a $100,000 bond. Her next court date is April 2016.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputies are analyzing 14 electronic devices for further evidence. […]

A student was arrested after displaying a weapon at a Palisades High School bus stop. The weapon was confiscated and there is no ongoing threat.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A student was arrested Thursday morning after displaying a weapon to other students at a Palisades High School bus stop, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Principal Erik Olejarczyk.

Law enforcement responded quickly after a witness reported the incident and took the juvenile suspect into custody, Olejarczyk said in a message to families. The weapon was confiscated.

“There is no ongoing threat to students or staff, and all are safe,” Olejarczyk said. “All safety protocols at our school were followed.”

The principal said school counselors are available for students who have questions or need support.

Possession of a weapon of any kind in CMS violates the district’s Code of Student Conduct and carries serious consequences, according to the release. Students found in violation will be disciplined.

The school is working closely with law enforcement and the CMS Police Department, Olejarczyk said.

Officials encouraged students to report weapons or threats to a trusted adult. Anonymous reports can be made through the Say Something App.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. […]

Police posted a video of the burglary on their YouTube page and are hoping someone can identify the suspect.