Murder Suspect Arrested Over 40 Times Before Allegedly Killing Motel 6 Guest in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A man accused of killing a 51-year-old guest at a Motel 6 in Charlotte earlier this month had been arrested more than 40 times before the fatal shooting, according to police and court records.
Authorities say 32-year-old Ronnie Fewell was taken into custody after investigators linked him to the October 10 shooting death of Ronald Neville, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a motel room.
Deadly Shooting at Charlotte Motel 6
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, surveillance video showed Fewell as one of three men who forced their way into a Motel 6 room. The suspects were inside for only a few seconds before one of them fled carrying a backpack that he had not entered with.
Police said the stolen backpack contained items valued at approximately $100. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Neville unresponsive with several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified Fewell as one of four people allegedly responsible for Neville’s death. He now faces charges of felony murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy.
Fewell was denied bond and is being held at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
A Long Criminal History
Court and arrest records reviewed by investigators show that Fewell’s criminal record stretches back to 2012, with at least 40 prior arrests in Mecklenburg County alone. His charges over the years have included:
- Resisting a public officer
- Breaking and entering
- Possession of stolen goods
- Assault on a female
- Possession and sale of cocaine
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Robbery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
Although many of these cases were later dismissed or resulted in minimal sentences, records show that Fewell has served prison time for several convictions.
Public Outrage Over Repeat Offender
The case has reignited debate about North Carolina’s criminal justice system and how repeat offenders are handled. Rep. Mark Harris (R–North Carolina) expressed frustration on social media after the arrest, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“Another serial criminal who was walking free in Charlotte, NC, has just been arrested for the MURDER of a 51-year-old man. Disgusted doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
Many residents echoed those concerns online, questioning how an individual with such an extensive record was still on the streets.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reaction
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police continue to investigate whether additional suspects may be charged in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting. Authorities have not released further details about the other individuals seen in the surveillance footage.
Meanwhile, local community members expressed grief for the victim, describing Neville as a “kind man who didn’t deserve what happened.”
This case adds to growing concerns in Charlotte about repeat violent offenders and the perceived gap between law enforcement efforts and judicial outcomes.
Officials say the investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to present the case to a Mecklenburg County grand jury in the coming weeks.
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