Body Found in Woods Behind East Charlotte Park, Police Launch Homicide Probe
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — What began as a routine afternoon call in east Charlotte turned grim Monday when officers discovered a body hidden in the woods behind Devonshire Park, prompting a full homicide investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
Discovery Near Devonshire Park Sparks Lockdown
Police were called to the 6500 block of Barrington Drive around 4 p.m. for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When officers arrived, they found a person dead in a wooded area just steps away from the neighborhood park.
Authorities confirmed the homicide did not occur on school grounds, though Devonshire Elementary School, located nearby, was briefly placed on lockdown out of caution.
CMPD Says Investigation Is Active
CMPD Major Jesus Rendon said several witnesses have already been identified, but the cause of death remains unclear.
“All we know is we have witnesses ID’d; we’re going to talk to them and find out what’s going on,” Rendon said. “We want to reassure the community that we’re here to protect them.”
The victim’s identity has not yet been released, and police have not named any suspects.
Neighbors Describe a “Quiet but Uneasy” Community
Nearby resident Drew McFall told reporters that while the area is generally peaceful, hearing about another killing so close to home was unsettling.
“It’s usually a quiet neighborhood, but every once in a while, you’ll hear something off in the distance like a gunshot,” McFall said. “I’m not surprised — it’s happening everywhere.”
Despite the crime, McFall said he plans to stay in the neighborhood, calling it a “great location.”
Police Ask for Public’s Help
CMPD investigators remained at the scene late into the evening collecting evidence and canvassing for leads.
Anyone with information is urged to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or submit a tip online.
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