Na-Zea Scott, a 23-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on February 9, 2019, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred around midnight at an apartment complex on McAlway Road in southeast Charlotte. According to reports, Na-Zea Scott was found suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation immediately.
Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot followed by someone yelling for an ambulance. One neighbor, Dorothy Batts, discovered Na-Zea Scott's body near her front door and described the scene to reporters. The police used flashlights to search the ground for evidence and interviewed witnesses in the area. Major Gerald Smith of the CMPD stated that they believed there were more witnesses who had not yet come forward, given the location of the incident in a densely populated apartment complex.
The investigation led to the identification and arrest of Antoine Watkins, a 23-year-old male, who was charged with the murder of Na-Zea Scott. Watkins was identified as a suspect through the efforts of the CMPD's Homicide Unit, and a murder warrant was issued for his arrest. He later surrendered himself to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. The case remains under investigation, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice for Na-Zea Scott.
The tragic death of Na-Zea Scott has raised concerns about the safety and security of the apartment complex where the incident occurred. Some residents have expressed their fears and worries about the potential for similar incidents to happen again. The community continues to mourn the loss of Na-Zea Scott, as the legal proceedings against Antoine Watkins move forward.
