Shariff Oliphant, a 23-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 29, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shariff, who was lovingly known as "Riff," was born on November 2, 1998, and had a deep passion for basketball. He was a dedicated family man, having married Melissa Adelson in 2017 and fathered a daughter, Kymora Oliphant, in 2018.
Shariff had served in the Army as a small arms artillery repair person before returning to Charlotte to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in real estate, clothing, and the dump truck business.
On the fateful evening of April 29, 2022, Shariff Oliphant and 21-year-old Trey McClendon were standing with a group of people at a strip mall on Montana Drive in west Charlotte. The group was engaged in conversation when suspects approached and opened fire, resulting in a barrage of gunshots. The group dispersed, but unfortunately, both Shariff and Trey were struck by the gunfire. Emergency paramedics arrived at the scene, but both men were pronounced dead on-site.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the double shooting. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. in the parking lot of a business park near the 700 block of Montana Drive, close to Interstate 85. Several events were taking place at the time, drawing crowds to the area. CMPD officers found one victim in a Dodge Charger and the other in the parking lot. Despite the presence of multiple witnesses, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unidentified.
Shariff Oliphant's family, including his mother, brothers, and sisters, have been vocal in their plea for information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. His mother expressed her anguish, stating that the loss of her son had taken a piece of her. The family and police have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community continues to grapple with the senseless violence that claimed the lives of Shariff Oliphant and Trey McClendon, leaving their loved ones seeking answers and justice.
