In Charlotte, an unsettling domestic violence case has escalated into a homicide investigation. Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit are delving into the death of a 15-week-old fetus at a residence on Farmhurst Drive. On Sunday, according to CMPD, police responded to a domestic assault call at the Steele Creek Division home. A female victim reported being attacked by her boyfriend, Arnold Noe Santos Deras, who was later charged with multiple offenses including murder of an unborn child.
Despite the initial decline for hospital treatment, the victim later sought medical attention and delivered a stillborn fetus. The grim outcome prompted the Homicide Unit to become involved following a notification from the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner on Monday. Santos Deras, the 21-year-old suspect, turned himself in to the authorities three days after the incident and now faces a catalogue of charges. An investigation revealed he is being charged with assault by strangulation and breaking and entering, amongst other allegations.
CMPD's report indicates that after his surrender, Santos Deras was interrogated by detectives. He was subsequently handed over to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. The exact charges against Santos Deras include Breaking and Entering, Assault on a Female, Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence, Battery of Unborn Child, Assault by Strangulation, and Murder of an Unborn Child.
The CMPD continues to investigate the tragic circumstances surrounding the stillbirth. With the case being active and ongoing, the department expects further developments. Detective McCall, leading the investigation, and his team urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tipsters may reach out to the Homicide Unit directly, call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, or utilize the P3 Tips Mobile App. Anonymity for those who provide information is assured by the department. The report number for this case is 20251102-2153-03 for those looking to reference or provide additional insight.
