Jadarius Marticee McCullough, Jaylin Lamont Johnson, and Two Other Victims Shot in Fatal Shooting at Sam’s Mart on Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte,
On the evening of October 24, 2023, a tragic shooting occurred at Sam’s Mart, a Shell gas station located along Beatties Ford Road just south of Interstate 85 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident resulted in the death of 27-year-old Jadarius Marticee McCullough and left two other individuals seriously injured. An 18-year-old suspect, Jaylin Lamont Johnson, was later arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.(WCNC)
Incident Details
At approximately 11:30 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a reported shooting at Sam’s Mart. Upon arrival, they discovered three individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. McCullough was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The other two victims were transported to a nearby hospital, with one listed in serious condition and the other with non-life-threatening injuries.(WCNC, Charlotte Alerts News, QC News)
According to witnesses, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between two men that escalated into gunfire. Investigators from CMPD’s Homicide Unit were promptly dispatched to the scene to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses.(City of Charlotte)
Suspect Arrest and Charges
On October 27, 2023, CMPD announced the arrest of Jaylin Lamont Johnson, an 18-year-old resident of Kannapolis, North Carolina. Johnson was charged with murder, attempted murder, and discharge of a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear. The arrest followed an extensive investigation by homicide detectives, who reviewed surveillance footage and conducted interviews to identify Johnson as the suspect.(WCNC)
Community Response
The shooting has sparked a renewed conversation about gun violence and public safety in Charlotte’s northwest neighborhoods. Community leaders and residents have expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents and the impact on local businesses and families.(WCNC)
Jerome, a local resident who declined to provide his last name, remarked, “Sadly it is not surprising. It would be more surprising if I woke up and there was not a shooting the night before.” Leondra Garrett, a site supervisor with the nonprofit group ATV, emphasized the need for conflict resolution education, stating, “We have to start teaching our young people the value of life, what it means to put the guns down and conflict resolution.”(WCNC)
Stephanie Harrison, founder of the Stop Killing Our Kids Support Group, shared her personal grief, saying, “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare come true. Parents shouldn’t have to bury our kids.”(WCNC)
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
CMPD’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are working to determine the events leading up to the altercation and whether any additional individuals were involved. The department has urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.(City of Charlotte)
Jaylin Lamont Johnson is currently in custody awaiting trial. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of his involvement and any potential penalties under North Carolina law.(WCNC)
Conclusion
The tragic shooting at Sam’s Mart serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in communities across the United States. While the investigation continues, the incident underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of such violence and to promote safer environments for all residents.
