Conviction:    Second-Degree Murder
DOC# 0472601
Parole Review Date:   3-8-08
Sentence:   LIFE
Has Served:   13 years 2 month to date

Crime Story:
On January 29, 1993 victim #1 and her fiancé victim #2 traveled from Kentucky to the Charlotte area because they were planning on relocating here.  At approximately 11:00 PM they were driving around town trying to find a place to "have a few drinks". 

They stopped at one location and victim #2 got out of their car and asked four young black males who were operating a Chevrolet Monte Carlo where they could find a place to have drinks.  When he got back in the car victim #1 asked him if the guys knew of a place and he said no, they were from out of town too. 

Victim #1 and victim #2 left the area and drove to the Wendy's at 5116 Old Dowd Rd.  Victim #1 noticed that the guys had gotten in their car and had followed them to the Wendy's and they had started flashing their headlights at victim #1 and victim #2. Victim #2 remarked to her, "I wonder what they want?"  When victim #1 pulled into the lot at the Wendy's the Monte Carlo pulled in behind their car.  Victim #2 got out of their car and approached the Monte Carlo.  When one of the subjects, Michael Wilkes, got out of the Monte Carlo, he approached victim #2 and pulled a handgun from inside his jacket and began shooting at victim #2 and their vehicle.

Victim #2 jumped back in their car and victim #1 drove out of the lot.  Wilkes continued to shoot at their vehicle.  Victim #1 drove to the hotel they were staying at and called for the police and medic.  Victim #2 had been shot several times and died at the scene from his wounds. Victim #1 had also been shot and was transported to the hospital where she was treated and released. 

The Monte Carlo had been occupied by Rico Recardo Cureton, Jerrick Dondree Nelson and Michael Ray Wilkes. They were later apprehended for the crime.  Cureton and Nelson pled guilty to other pending charges they had that were outstanding and they agreed to testify against Wilkes at his trial. 

Wilkes was convicted of Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  He was sentenced to Life in prison plus 20 years for the death of victim #2 and the injuries sustained by victim #1.

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