CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man accused of committing murder in Baltimore has been released from custody in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after Maryland authorities failed to file the proper extradition paperwork within the legally required timeframe, officials confirmed.

Suspect Wanted for Baltimore Murder

According to WCNC Charlotte, 55-year-old Charles Anthony Boatwright is wanted in Maryland for the shooting death of 56-year-old Randolph Smith. The killing occurred on July 13 along Frederick Avenue in Baltimore, where local police later issued a public appeal for information about Boatwright’s whereabouts.

Boatwright was arrested three days later in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 16, and was held on a $7.5 million bond while awaiting extradition to Maryland.

State Fails to Deliver Extradition Warrant

Court records show Boatwright was detained under a fugitive order pending Maryland’s request to take custody. However, North Carolina’s extradition law allows only a 30-day holding period for suspects wanted by another state unless the proper paperwork is submitted.

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office said Maryland officials were notified multiple times but did not deliver the official warrant needed to transfer Boatwright. The case was continued twice before North Carolina authorities were legally required to release him.

“Any future court dates for Boatwright would have been prohibited by state law,” the DA’s office explained in a statement to WCNC.

Lack of Response from Maryland Officials

As of Friday, the Office of the Maryland Governor had not responded to requests for comment regarding the delay or whether efforts are underway to reissue the warrant. The Baltimore Police Department has reiterated that Boatwright remains wanted for murder and is considered armed and dangerous.

Legal and Interstate Implications

Boatwright’s release underscores the challenges of interstate extradition coordination, where paperwork and communication breakdowns between jurisdictions can lead to major setbacks. Legal experts say that once the deadline expires without a warrant, holding a suspect any longer could violate constitutional rights under the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act.

Authorities in both states are now under scrutiny for how a homicide suspect was allowed to walk free despite being located and detained.

Have thoughts on this case or concerns about extradition failures? Share your perspective below and stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for updates on major criminal justice developments across the Carolinas.