Police: Not enough evidence to file charges in shooting death of teen in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said there is not enough evidence to charge the man who shot and killed a 17-year-old at an east Charlotte gas station in March.

At a news conference Wednesday, officers said probable cause did not exist to arrest the man who killed Daquan Shannon.

Police said the group that Shannon was with and another group got into a fight inside the QT station on Central Avenue in the early morning hours of March 4.

“They didn't want them to talk to their girls," Capt. Chris Dozier with CMPD said.

Police said the other group tried to leave the parking lot in their vehicle, when one of the men with Shannon approached the car and punched the people inside with a gun.

Police said a person inside the vehicle felt an imminent threat and fired a shot, hitting Shannon and killing him.

"He was not the intended target, however, the round that was fired was justified," Capt. Dozier said.

Officers took the investigation details to the district attorney, who declined to prosecute anyone in the homicide case. Officials said they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the shooter did not act in self-defense.

A teenager police said was with Shannon, Tyrelle Gaston, had already been charged with discharging a weapon into a moving vehicle. Police said he fired shots into the car as it left the scene.

Wednesday evening, Shannon's family issued this statement:

On behalf of Tawana Shannon & Lacosta Doby and the family of Daquan Shannon we would like to formally say THANK YOU to everyone within the Charlotte community, our family, extended family and friends for your continued prayers and support during this difficult time. The last few months have been a nightmare but we continue pressing forward leaning on one another and knowing that is what Daquan would have wanted us to do is what’s getting us through these dark days suck as today.

Know that as his family we are forever grateful for each of you, and although our hearts are heavy and torn this afternoon just as much as they were in March when you were taken away from us. Words cannot describe this pain and today doesn’t ease the pain as we are supposed to be celebrating “Ki” Birthday with Slim, her and her Mom. Instead we are having to celebrate it with his daughter without his presence. It was such a hurtful thing for it to be release today on his daughters 1st Birthday.

It was not and is not the outcome we had hoped for but with our faith totally trusted in God, we as a family will continue to trust GOD during this process for we know that although due Justice wasn’t served here physically God will handle it all in his timing.

We are hurt, We are angry, At the end of the day we lost a 17 year old who enjoyed life, this isn’t fair at all. DaQuan’s death is now in vain. The system has failed us. DaQuan did not deserve to go out like this. All I can say is pick your friends wisely. He lost his life over a situation that he had no parts in and now these so called friends walking around FREE like everything is ok. NOT AT ALL! Then you have as well as the shooter. As his family we are all completely devastated beyond words this evening.

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