A Christmas night crash in East Charlotte has escalated to a homicide investigation after the victim, identified as Kennedi Aniyah Flora Jones, succumbed to her injuries. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officials were called to the scene near Shamrock Drive and Hickory Grove Road at approximately 11:20 p.m., when they found Jones in a car that had run off the road and down an embankment, as per WBTV.
The circumstances that led to the death of Jones are currently being investigated by the CMPD's Homicide Unit, this change in investigative direction followed the response by multiple units including the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search as told by WCNC, these units initially examined the incident which appeared to be a fatal road accident but now takes on a more sinister note with lethal implications that hint at an act of deliberate violence, potentially explaining the shift to a homicide probe.
CMPD has not released details on how Jones sustained her injuries or whether they occurred before or as a result of the crash. The lack of clarity surrounding the events has prompted a call to the public for information that can aid in the investigation, individuals with insights are encouraged to contact detectives at 704-432-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.
Neighbors reported disturbances on the night of the incident, including Terry Johnson who recounted to WSOCTV hearing gunshots, "When I first came out here, the only thing I heard was the gunfire...I said, 'man I get so tired of this’," adding to the mystery of the case is that while gunshots are somewhat common in the area, the timing, and proximity of the crash to the gunshots could imply a connection.
This story is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
