A June 14 shooting in a usually quiet stretch of east Charlotte has now led to two arrests, as Charlotte-Mecklenburg detectives link a Greenville, South Carolina woman to the killing of a 30-year-old man outside a Hickory Grove Road home.
Police say 28-year-old Alexis Stokes was taken into custody in Greenville and is accused of playing a role in the fatal shooting of Samuel Jerome Lomax Jr., 30. Lomax was found outside a home in the 5800 block of Hickory Grove Road, and investigators believe he may have been trying to make entry when he was shot.
Arrests and charges
According to a news release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, detectives first identified 23-year-old Ishmail Emmanul Ezell as a suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. Ezell was taken into custody in Greenville County last Wednesday.
The release states Ezell was arrested by CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team with help from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, burglary, kidnapping, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm by a felon. CMPD says investigators interviewed Ezell in South Carolina, and he is expected to be extradited to Mecklenburg County.
Greenville arrest for second suspect
Local station WSOC-TV reports that 28-year-old Alexis Stokes was later arrested in Greenville and charged with murder, burglary, felony conspiracy, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. She is also expected to be extradited to Mecklenburg County.
WSOC-TV notes Stokes' arrest follows the June 14 death of Lomax, who was found at a home on Hickory Grove Road. Officials have not released information about her bond status or court dates.
What police say about the shooting
Officers were called around 10:30 a.m. on June 14 for a report of a breaking-and-entering in the 5800 block of Hickory Grove Road, according to the Charlotte Observer. When they arrived, they found Lomax outside near the back of the home with a gunshot wound, and the case was treated as a homicide.
The Observer quotes CMPD Major Torri Tellis as saying investigators believe Lomax was attempting to make entry into the home when he was shot. Neighbors told reporters the violence rattled an area they described as typically calm.
Investigation and next steps
The CMPD says the investigation remains active and that its Homicide Unit is working with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Homicide Prosecution Team. Both Ezell and Stokes are expected to be extradited to Mecklenburg County to face their charges in the coming weeks.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to call 704-432-8477 or to submit an anonymous tip to Charlotte Crime Stoppers. Police have not released details about a possible motive or indicated whether more arrests are anticipated.
Legal context
The charges against Ezell and Stokes include multiple felonies that could carry lengthy prison sentences if they are convicted. At this stage, both remain presumed innocent while the criminal process plays out.
Mecklenburg County prosecutors are expected to review the evidence before formal indictments and arraignments are scheduled. Records on bond and upcoming court dates were not immediately available.
