CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they now think Devon Clement's death outside the Cook-Out on West Sugar Creek Road Sunday has gang connections.
Clement was shot and killed outside the restaurant around 4 a.m. Sunday.
"No, I ain't surprised, man. There [are] a lot of gangs everywhere, you know what I mean?" customer Jamal Hughley said.
No arrests have been made in the case.
Clement's death was one of five homicides that happened in Charlotte within a five-day period. Police said none of the cases are related.
Michael Smith, 29, was shot Sunday evening on Camrose Drive and died on Monday. On Tuesday, police charged Ishmal Catthel, 19, with murder in connection with his death.
Dominique McGriff, 21, and Tia Mitchell, 23, were found shot to death inside a vehicle Sunday night on Morning Drive. No arrests have been made in the case.
Jerman McJunkins, 23, was shot and killed at the West Downs Apartments on Mattoon Street at about 11 p.m. Wednesday. Charles Sammons, 24, Mitchelle Osborne, 24, Suliman Elamin, 32, and Darius Chapman, 27, have been charged with murder in connection with his death.
Investigators and patrol officers are working on the homicide cases "around the clock," according to Chief Rodney Monroe.
Monroe released the following statement in regard to the cases:
"The five homicides that our community has experienced over the last five days are troubling; anytime a community experiences a senseless loss of life it is tragic.
"I want to ensure our citizens that the CMPD is working aggressively to bring resolution to each and every one of these cases. Investigative Units have made arrests in two of the four homicide cases that have occurred this week including the homicide of Jermaine McJunkins that occurred on Mattoon St. last night and the homicide of Michael Pernell Smith that occurred on Camrose Dr. this past Sunday.
"The department has a full compliment of investigative and patrol units working these four cases around the clock and we anticipate additional arrests. Our investigations lead us to believe these murders involve relationships between known associates. None of these four cases are random acts of violence.
"The CMPD has increased patrols in neighborhoods affected by these recent cases providing a visible presence to ensure the safety of our citizens. We have deployed specialized units including VCAT , Firearms, Vice/Narcotics and Gang to develop vital information. We continue to receive information from community members that will assist us in solving these cases. The Homicide Unit encourages anyone with information to contact them on the Tips line at 704-432-TIPS."
Previous Stories: May 20, 2010: Man Killed Outside North Charlotte Restaurant May 16, 2010: 1 Shot In Northeast Charlotte, Police Investigate May 17, 2010: Two Victims Identified In West Charlotte Double Murder May 17, 2010: Man, Woman Killed In West Charlotte Shooting
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