Crime
17-year-old Jaleek Mitchell killed in shooting near Romare Bearden Park in Charlotte
Tragedy struck uptown Charlotte on Saturday night as 17-year-old Jaleek Mitchell was fatally shot at Romare Bearden Park.
The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on November 2, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire in the park area.
Upon arrival, officers found Mitchell suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel transported him to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A section of the park and South Church Street were cordoned off while police investigated the scene, with multiple CMPD officers actively working to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Romare Bearden Park has been the focus of CMPD’s efforts to curb crime over the past year, particularly through “Operation TRIO,” which has targeted several high-profile areas with heightened crime rates.
The park has previously been the site of a violent July 4th altercation and a New Year’s Eve shooting that left five people injured. CMPD Major Bret Balamucki, speaking earlier this year, acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve the area’s safety: “We constantly battle the perception of safety. Even one incident can change how people feel when they come here with family or friends.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Homicide Unit at 704-432-TIPS or to share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.