Two Charlotte teenagers were charged Wednesday in connection with a May 3 shooting in Huntersville that left a man dead, police said. Investigators say the arrests cap a month‑long probe that started after a gravely wounded man was dropped off at a University City hospital in the early morning hours.
Arrests and charges
Huntersville detectives arrested 19‑year‑olds Jose Quintanilla‑Cordova and Dorian Jassier Tabora Oro and charged them with first‑degree murder and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to WCCB. The station reports that the charges follow weeks of work tied to the early‑morning shooting.
Where the shooting happened
Police say the gunfire broke out around 4:15 a.m. on May 3 along Weller Way near Bryton Corporate Center Drive in Huntersville. The wounded man was then taken to Atrium Health University City, where he later died, according to The Charlotte Observer. Initial local reporting named the victim as Henry Leonel Vindall Branco.
Investigation timeline
Detectives spent weeks conducting interviews and gathering evidence before making the arrests, WCCB reports. Authorities have not released details about a possible motive or a full timeline of events. Investigators are continuing to review video, phone records and witness statements as the case remains active.
Neighborhood context
The killing adds to a string of recent shootings reported in north Charlotte and Huntersville neighborhoods, a trend that has already drawn extra police attention in the corridor, according to a report on a backyard barrage of bullets. Neighbors in the broader area have said they are increasingly worried about recurring violence as investigators juggle other open cases nearby.
Legal process
Quintanilla‑Cordova and Tabora Oro are expected to move through the county criminal system and appear in court as prosecutors decide on formal filings. Because the investigation is still underway, officials have not released information about bail or the suspects' current detention status.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Brittany Ferrell at 704‑464‑5400 or [email protected], or call North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704‑896‑7867, according to The Charlotte Observer. Authorities are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may have video or other evidence that could help move the case forward.
