A tragic double shooting in east Charlotte early Friday morning has left one man dead and another person injured, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The violence unfolded during the early morning hours along Weldon Avenue, leaving residents in the area shaken as investigators worked throughout the scene searching for answers.
Police said officers responded around 2 a.m. to reports of a shooting near Weldon Avenue, just off The Plaza. When authorities arrived, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical crews quickly responded to assist the victims while officers secured the area and began gathering evidence connected to the shooting.
Officials confirmed that one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene by Medic personnel. The deceased victim was later identified as 37-year-old Demareo Whitley. Authorities have not yet released additional details about him as loved ones and community members begin mourning his sudden and heartbreaking death.
The second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to officials, that individual suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. At this time, police have not publicly identified the surviving victim, and investigators have not shared further information regarding their condition or possible connection to the incident.
Detectives say the investigation remains active as authorities work to determine what led up to the deadly shooting. Police have not yet announced whether the victims knew each other, and no suspect information has been released publicly. It also remains unclear if any arrests have been made in connection to the violence that unfolded in the neighborhood early Friday morning.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, residents in the community are left searching for answers and coping with the shock of another deadly act of violence. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile, family and friends of Demareo Whitley are left grieving a life lost far too soon.
