Teen charged in connection with two murders months apart in same neighborhood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A teen is facing charges in two separate murders that happened months apart at the same east Charlotte apartment complex.

Keniya Guyton, 17, appeared in front of a judge Friday in connection with the murder of 31-year-old Derrick Chambers.

Chambers was shot to death April 6 inside an apartment complex on Barrington Drive.

Guyton was already in jail facing charges in connection with the July murder of 17-year-old Octavion McClellan at the same apartment complex.

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Channel 9 learned she lived on the same street at one point.

In court, the teen was a void of emotion as she walked into the courtroom for the second time this year facing serious murder charges.

Guyton's mother told Channel 9's Tina Terry she believes her daughter is innocent.

According to documents, Guyton has been arrested five times since last year. Many of those charges have been dismissed.

Neighbors like Ashley Hillman just want the violence to stop.

"People are not given proper support or guidance at a younger age," Hillman said.

[Report: Murders by teens under 16 have risen by 600% compared to previous year]

Guyton is also facing robbery with a dangerous weapon charge in both murder cases.

23-year-old Malik Benson, 27-year-old Trevonte House and 17-year-old Diyondre Wilson have also been charged in connection with Chamber's death.

Cox Media Group