Charlotte Tops 70 Homicides In 2020 With Three More This Week

CHARLOTTE, NC — A total of 70 people have now been killed so far this year in Charlotte, police announced in a news conference Wednesday.

In the conference, officials said homicides are up this year compared to 61 at the same time in 2019. This week alone, three people have died in homicides in Charlotte.

The rate of killings shows "no sign of letting up," officials said Wednesday.

The most recent slaying, which brought the total to 70, was that of 22-year-old Andre Boyd in the 5200 block of Nevin Road.

WSCO reports Boyd was shot several times around 4 p.m. in the common area of an apartment complex. He was pronounced dead on scene.

According to the report, no arrests have been made in the shooting.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Twitter also announced the death of 22-year-old Koentez Stephens. On Tuesday, Stephens was killed in the 3000 block of Westwinds Court. In a Tweet, police said the victim's family was notified of his death and an investigation is ongoing.

WBTV reports Stephens was taken to Atrium Health's Carolina Medical Center Main where he was pronounced dead.

Police also investigated a Saturday shooting at an 11-year-old's birthday party that left Wilma Jean Petty, 63, dead from a gunshot wound.

Police said Petty was an "innocent victim" who died after being caught in the crossfire of a gunfight that broke out during the party.

So far, no arrests have been made in Petty's death. A reward of some $10,000 has been offered to help find Petty's killer.

Anyone with information about Stephens' death is asked to call 704-334-1600.

"No one has been held accountable in her senseless murder," a police spokesperson said in the Wednesday conference. "The community needs to step up and speak up."