Nine years after 18-year-old Shania Hammonds was found dead behind a home in east Charlotte, her family is still pleading for answers and refusing to let the case fade from public memory.
Hammonds, a senior at Mallard Creek High School, was discovered in the backyard of a friend’s house in February 2017. Her death remains unsolved, and relatives gathered on Monday to mark the ninth anniversary and renew their push for information as detectives continue to investigate.
According to WSOC, the family used the anniversary to rally community support, hoping that someone will finally come forward with a detail that moves the case forward. Relatives told the station they are counting on fresh tips and revived interest to help investigators get closer to understanding what happened that winter morning.
How the case unfolded
In February 2017, officers responded to an assist-Medic call on Willow Gate Lane in east Charlotte and found Hammonds’ body behind a friend’s home. She was quickly identified as an 18-year-old student at Mallard Creek High School. Early coverage from WBTV detailed the scene and the family’s immediate search for answers.
Follow-up reporting and court records note that investigators documented injuries consistent with a struggle and that the medical examiner ultimately ruled the cause of death “undetermined.” That finding led detectives to take another hard look at the evidence, according to WCCB.
Investigation now
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit, Hammonds’ case remains an active investigation. Detectives have continued to test evidence using newer forensic methods, and the Homicide Unit notes that members of the public can contact a lead detective through the homicide tips line.
Family members have pressed for renewed attention after earlier investigative concerns, while authorities point to steps such as re-testing evidence and prior increases in reward money as efforts to spark new leads.
How to help
Anyone with information is urged to contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers, either through its online tip form or by phone. The anonymous form is available at Charlotte Crime Stoppers, and the anonymous tip line is 704-334-1600. Those who prefer to speak directly with investigators can call CMPD’s Homicide Tips line at 704-432-8477.
Hammonds’ family says they will keep her name in the public eye until someone shares information that explains what happened behind that Willow Gate Lane home. Marking the ninth anniversary, they reiterated that they will not stop pushing for accountability and clarity about the events of that February morning.
