Several people charged in connection with Cabarrus County homicide

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Several people have been charged in a homicide that took place Wednesday in Cabarrus County.

Authorities told Channel 9 they received a 911 call around 9:10 a.m. from the 1800 block of Flowes Store Road in Concord. They said Wednesday’s crime was their first homicide investigation of 2020.

According to officials, 35-year-old Jason Lee Newell was found dead inside his home by his father after a coworker called the family when he didn’t show up for work.

Channel 9 crews could see crime scene tape stretched between two trees on a rural gravel driveway. From Chopper 9 Skyzoom overhead, several police cruisers could be seen around the house, which had also been roped off with crime scene tape.

Channel 9 learned electronics and Newell’s 2020 Chevy Tahoe were stolen from his home.

Around 10 a.m., Channel 9 learned that police in Rock Hill, South Carolina found the SUV on Taylor Street. Police told Eyewitness News that two men who were inside the vehicle jumped out ran. Officers chased them down and they were eventually caught less than a mile away.

Officers also found a handgun, which had previously been reported stolen to Rock Hill police.

Hassan Aliek Burkett, 20, and Elijah Isaiah McKnight, 20, were issued warrants for possession of a stolen pistol and carrying a pistol unlawfully.

In addition, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants for Burkett and McKnight for robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Deputies announced Saturday that McKnight has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Authorities have also arrested two others in connection with Newell’s death. 25-year-old Antonio James Bailey has been charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. 25-year-old Ashley Lata’ey Jordan has been charged with accessory after the fact robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Police in Rock Hill said that they are helping Cabarrus County with their investigation.

A neighbor told Channel 9 that police said the shooting was not random, but investigators have not been given a clear motive.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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