Neighbors on edge after young mother shot inside home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have not made an arrest in a case that left a young mother fighting for her life.

Investigators said Semantha Bunce, 21, was shot Tuesday morning after an unknown man or men kicked in the door to her home on Matlea Court in east Charlotte.

The mother, who was at home with her baby at the time, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The child was not hurt, police said.

The violent nature and apparent randomness of the crime has left many people angry and afraid.

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The mother didn’t know the intrudersm who they believe broke into the home with the intent to burglarize the place, investigators said.

“It had to be frightening,” said Nadine Gillen, who often stays at a home across the street.

The shooting comes less than two weeks after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released  its quarterly crime report that indicates violent crime is up about 18 percent with a nearly 16 percent increase in home burglaries.

Gillen is expecting her third child in a matter of weeks and said she can’t imagine such a violent encounter.

“I’m sorry this happened,” Gillen said. “We’re here to support them.”

Other neighbors said the family has lived there just short of one year and the victim has ties with the military.

Family and friends of the victims went to their house Tuesday evening and boarded up the home. They did not wish to comment.

The mother was out of surgery and there was no word on her condition.

Police are still investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-TIPS or 704-334-1600.

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