James John Basil McKnight, a 34-year-old man, was fatally shot outside a bar in southwest Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 16, 2020. The incident occurred at The Trap Bar & Billiards on Westinghouse Boulevard. Police received a call for service regarding an assault with a deadly weapon around 2:17 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found McKnight suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot.
He was transported to the hospital by medic but was later pronounced dead by hospital staff.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit conducted an investigation into the shooting. Detectives canvassed the area to determine whether there were any additional witnesses to the incident. Crime Scene Search responded to the call to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Despite their efforts, no suspect information was mentioned at the time.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and determined that the homicide was justified. As a result, no charges were filed in connection with the death of James John Basil McKnight. The investigation concluded that the fatal shooting was justified, and no further legal actions were taken against any individuals involved.
James John Basil McKnight was born on January 29, 1986, to James B. McKnight, III, and Stephanie M. Lawrence in Springfield, Illinois. He was known by several affectionate nicknames, including Dukes, Kat Daddy, Neph-Neph, and James John. McKnight had an entrepreneurial spirit and was constantly looking for ways to increase his wealth. He founded Basil Investments, a trucking company, within the last year of his life.
