Woman Killed, Suspected Killer Leads Police On 2-State Chase

CHARLOTTE, NC — A woman was shot to death and the suspect led police on a high-speed chase through two states, according to CMPD.

Shortly after 1:46 pm, on December 20, officers responded to reports of a person shot near the 1300 block of Long Grass Court. There, they discovered a woman with multiple gunshot wounds later identified as Paula Michelle Henson. Officers tried to help until paramedics arrived, but she was later pronounced dead at Atrium Main.

Police identified a suspect during the chaos and told other officers to look for a certain vehicle. Other police officers found the vehicle and tried to stop it but the driver took off and police followed.

It entered South Carolina where York County Deputies took lead of the pursuit. The pursuit ended at 2:17 pm, and the suspect left the car and ran. Fifteen minutes later, the suspect was caught.

Per CMPD, homicide detectives obtained a 1st degree murder warrant against the suspect, identified as Earnest Ali Santiago.

The Homicide Unit is not looking for any additional suspects at this time. The preliminary investigation has concluded that the victim and suspect were known to each other.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.