CMPD searching for woman’s car taken during homicide at east Charlotte apartment complex

CHARLOTTE — A mother is grieving her daughter’s death as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department searches for a vehicle connected to the homicide in east Charlotte.

On Oct. 23 at around 11:15 a.m., a woman was found shot and killed on Snow Lane, which was at the Heritage Park Apartments. Police said officers were called for a welfare check when they found someone who had been shot.

MEDIC said Ahylea Willard, 32, died at the scene. Officer confirmed Willard was found behind a dumpster at the apartments.

Willard’s mother, Mary McMasters, said that she spoke with her daughter on the phone hours before her death.

“She said, ‘I’m out eating,’” McMasters said. “But she didn’t tell me who she was eating with or anything. I said, ‘Well, I don’t want to bother you. You go ahead and do what you need to do. And I just want to let you know. I love you. And please be safe.’”

During the investigation, CMPD said Willard’s car was taken during the incident. Her vehicle is a black Mercedes-Benz C250 with a North Carolina license plate number, TJV-4843.

McMasters hopes that someone will come forward with answers about her daughter’s missing car and her final moments.

“I want them to know that she was so much bigger,” McMasters said. All they had to do was ask if they want to her car. If they wanted her keys. They didn’t have to do that to her.”

McMasters said that she is confident she will get answers.

“I know that without a shadow of a doubt, I’m going to have the peace that I need and the closure that I need for my daughter’s murder.”

Investigators have not said what led up to the shooting.

Anyone with information on the case or who knows where the car may be is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak to a homicide detective. Detective M. James is the lead detective assigned to this case. Information can always be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by clicking here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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