December 8, 2008

Case Update:  The murder victim in Saturday morning's shooting at 324 Belton St. has been identified and family notification has been made.  His name is Juan Jose Fornell Martinez (DOB 10-18-87).

In addition, CMPD Homicide detectives have signed warrants on Hector Raul Alvarenga Retana (DOB 04/01/1988) in reference to this incident. Mr. Retana has the following outstanding warrants for his arrest:  one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and one count of armed robbery.  Mr. Retana should be considered armed and dangerous.

The CMPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Gang and Firearm Enforcement Division are actively searching for Retana. 

Please alert the public to call 704-336-VCAT if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or 911.

December 6, 2008

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Detectives are currently investigating a shooting at 324 Belton Street which left one man seriously injured and one man deceased.  The incident occurred on Saturday, December 6, 2008, shortly before 6:00 a.m., in the Westover Division.  The victims have not been positively identified; pending identification and family notification, their names will be released.

Westover Division officers responded to a call for service in reference to one shot.  When officers arrived on scene they located one man deceased inside the residence suffering from an apparent gun shot wound.   Officers located a second man who had also been shot.  Medic arrived and transported the second man to Carolinas Medical Center, where he is currently in stable condition; undergoing surgery for non-life threatening injuries. 

Homicide Unit detectives are on scene canvassing the neighborhood and Crime Scene Search units are processing the scene for physical evidence.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the victims and suspect were part of a group of friends inside the residence.  Shortly before 6 a.m., the suspect, a Hispanic male about 40 years old; who was apparently part of the group in the house, began shooting striking the two men. 

The suspect is believed to have fled the scene in a white Toyota or Mitsubishi sedan with a fin or spoiler on the trunk. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704.432.TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective.  Detective P. Rainwater is the lead detective assigned to the case.  In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704.334.1600.