Shikeither Dinetta Smith, a 35-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed on September 5, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at a residence on Newcastle Street. According to reports, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to a call about shots fired at approximately 6:50 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found Smith deceased inside the home. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene around 7 a.m.
The investigation revealed that the crime was domestic in nature. Smith's long-term boyfriend, 34-year-old Thomas Henry McCray, was identified as the primary suspect. McCray, who was present at the scene, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Detectives determined that McCray and Smith had been in a long-term relationship, and the crime was classified as a domestic violence incident. It was also reported that McCray had a crack cocaine habit, which may have contributed to the tragic events.
The case garnered significant attention due to the domestic violence aspect and the impact on the couple's children. Family members and neighbors expressed concern about the future of the children, who were not present in the house at the time of the shooting. The CMPD noted that domestic violence accounted for a notable percentage of homicides in Charlotte that year.
McCray was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, where he faced charges of first-degree murder and felony possession of cocaine. The legal proceedings and investigations continued as authorities sought to bring justice for Shikeither Dinetta Smith and her family. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its devastating consequences on individuals and communities.
