A Pineville apartment complex turned into a crime scene just after midnight Thursday when a 5-year-old boy was stabbed and later died, according to police. Officers rushed into a unit at the Sabal Point complex, tried to save the child on the spot, then drove him to a hospital in a squad car. He did not survive. Investigators say the child’s father is now under arrest in connection with the attack.
Police say the violence unfolded shortly after midnight inside the Sabal Point Apartments. Officers found the boy with multiple stab wounds, started life-saving efforts at the scene, and then took him to the hospital. Channel 9 identified the suspect as Jehaaz-Akil Khaliq Echoles and reported that he is facing a first-degree murder charge. Investigators told the station that Echoles forced his way into the apartment before the stabbing and that another child who was inside was not hurt. Detectives are treating the case as a domestic situation rather than a random assault, according to WSOC.
Police response
Officer Corey Copley with the Pineville Police Department said the agency is “supporting them 100%,” referring to those affected by the killing, and that officers are working closely with investigators to piece together what happened. According to the department, Echoles forced his way into the apartment before the stabbing, and detectives have now formally charged him as the case moves into the court system, the station reported. Authorities say they are holding back further details while the investigation continues, per WSOC.
Where it happened
The killing happened inside the Sabal Point Apartments in Pineville, a complex that lists its address as 12512 Sabal Point Drive and notes its proximity to I-485 and I-77, placing it within town limits just south of Charlotte. Residents reported a heavy police presence as detectives processed the scene, according to the apartment community’s site, Sabal Point.
Support and review
The Safe Alliance Greater Charlotte Hope Line at 980-771-4673 offers 24/7 support for people experiencing domestic violence and operates in both English and Spanish, according to Safe Alliance. In North Carolina, child deaths are reviewed by local and state Child Fatality Prevention teams through a multi-agency process meant to identify prevention strategies and system improvements, per the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Those reviews typically happen after the criminal investigation and can result in recommendations for services or policy changes.
How to help
Pineville police are asking anyone with information to contact the department’s non-emergency line at (704) 889-2231 or use the town’s listed contact options. Details on how to reach the department and submit public records requests are available on the Town of Pineville website at the Town of Pineville.
