Asiah Mekhi Figueroa, a 3-year-old African American boy, tragically lost his life on September 7, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred when more than 150 shots were fired into his home while he was sleeping. This senseless act of violence shocked the community and led to an extensive investigation by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department .
The investigation into Asiah's death has led to multiple arrests and charges.
On September 18, 2021, Kaleb Lawrence, a 21-year-old suspect, turned himself in to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Lawrence was charged with first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, nine counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property, fleeing/eluding arrest in a motor vehicle, and reckless driving with willful and wanton disregard. He remains in custody without bond.
Another suspect, Datonio Stephens, 25 years old, was arrested on September 20, 2024. Stephens faced charges of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, nine counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and conspiracy to commit murder. The arrest was made with the assistance of the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
The CMPD is also actively searching for Bryce Felder, born on May 2, 2002, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Asiah Figueroa. Felder is considered armed and dangerous, and the CMPD has urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately.
The investigation into Asiah's death is ongoing, and the CMPD continues to seek information from the public to bring all responsible parties to justice. The community remains deeply affected by this tragic loss, and efforts to support Asiah's family and honor his memory continue.
