Charlotte authorities have detained two individuals, Kevin Jeremy Zetino, 19, and Adilio Cesar Garcia Lemus, 24, in connection with a series of violent crimes including the murder of 57-year-old Jose Octavio Cruz. Cruz was identified as the victim in a homicide case that has led to a broader investigation that remains active, with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)’s Public Affairs Office suggesting further information will be forthcoming as detectives proceed. 

Following the investigation, Zetino was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 6, entailing an interview process at the Law Enforcement Center in Uptown and thereafter his transfer to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. This sequence of events was mirrored on the following day when Lemus was arrested and, after his interview, also transferred to the sheriff's custody, both facing charges including murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery, among others, with these developments being actively communicated by the local authorities.

Amidst both suspects facing an array of severe charges such as murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, first-degree burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon intending to kill or inflict serious injury, the investigation by the CMPD continues to unravel the depth of their involvement.

The CMPD is urging the Charlotte community to come forward with any knowledge regarding the incident, directing individuals to provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers or by speaking directly to a Homicide Unit detective, thus Detective Planty leads the ongoing inquiry.