Teen Accused of Killing Charlotte 4-Year-Old Linked to 8 Car Thefts, Police Reveal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 18-year-old accused of killing a 4-year-old boy during a botched car theft in southwest Charlotte last month had a lengthy criminal history involving stolen cars and reckless behavior, according to court records released this week.
Police say Anthony Abel Jr. — who was arrested in the Sept. 17 incident that left 4-year-old Jayce Edwards dead — had been linked to at least eight stolen vehicles over the past year.
A Stolen Car and a Stray Bullet
The fatal shooting occurred as Abel and three others allegedly attempted to steal a neighbor’s Dodge Charger outside a home on Cigar Court in the Steele Creek area.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), one of the suspects fired a gun “directly and intentionally” into a nearby home, striking Jayce while he was in bed at his grandmother’s house.
The bullet was described as “unprovoked” by investigators. Jayce died at the scene.
Police have not confirmed which suspect pulled the trigger, but Abel and three other men — Angelo Hudson (22), Jordon Davis (23), and Marquise Guerrier (24) — have each been charged with murder.
Teen’s Troubled Record Before the Killing
Court documents show that Abel’s run-ins with law enforcement began long before the fatal shooting.
In February 2025, at just 17 years old, Abel was convicted in Rowan County for speeding to elude arrest and driving while impaired, receiving 18 months of probation.
By April, Charlotte police arrested him again after he posted an Instagram video of himself driving a stolen Dodge Durango with visible damage. Investigators said the video led them directly to his apartment complex, where he was charged with:
- Seven counts of larceny of a motor vehicle
- Three counts of attempted larceny of a motor vehicle
- Seven counts of conspiracy to commit larceny
Police said Abel specifically targeted high-end sports cars and SRT models. Despite the numerous charges, he was released on a $5,000 secured bond.
Just a week before Jayce’s death, on Sept. 10, Abel was arrested again in Wake County on charges of gun possession, marijuana possession, and driving with a suspended license. He posted bond again, and the next day, his probation officer issued a warrant for fleeing to elude arrest.
That was six days before the deadly shooting.
Co-Defendants Also Have Long Rap Sheets
Investigators say the group of four suspects had extensive criminal histories spanning both North and South Carolina.
- Jordon Davis, 23, has been charged 29 times in South Carolina for breaking into fuel tanks and nine times for grand larceny. He also served three years in prison in North Carolina for robbery with a dangerous weapon and firearm possession by a felon.
- Marquise Guerrier, 24, was charged last year with carrying a concealed weapon and previously faced reckless driving and resisting an officer charges, though many were dismissed.
- Angelo Hudson, 22, had no prior criminal record before this case, according to court filings.
Family and Community Mourning Jayce’s Death
Four-year-old Jayce Edwards was remembered as a joyful child who had just celebrated his birthday at Carowinds with his family dressed in Bluey-themed outfits — his favorite cartoon.
His death has devastated the Steele Creek community, with neighbors calling for tougher penalties for repeat offenders and more intervention for at-risk teens before crimes escalate.
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings previously said cases like this underscore the growing concern over juvenile repeat offenders and gun violence in Charlotte.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
All four suspects remain in custody at the Mecklenburg County Jail, facing murder, attempted larceny, and weapons charges. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will pursue the death penalty or life sentences in the case.
As Jayce’s family continues to grieve, community leaders are organizing a memorial vigil and urging lawmakers to focus on preventing youth involvement in violent crimes.
Residents who wish to share condolences or advocate for youth justice reform can join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
