On July 28, 2018, 38-year-old African-American male Jarellia Montgomery was fatally shot in Monroe, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in the 600 block of First Street. Montgomery was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Prior to the shooting, Montgomery had an encounter with a group of men outside a retail business at Fairly Avenue and Morgan Mill Road.
The men questioned Montgomery about his bandana, suspecting gang affiliation. Montgomery, who was not affiliated with any gang, dismissed the accusation, stating, 'I'm 38 years old. I got kids. I got grandkids. I don't play games like that.' He then left the scene on his motorcycle.
Shortly after, the group pursued Montgomery in a gold 1999 Buick Regal four-door sedan. They caught up with him and shot him, leading to his death. The Monroe Police Department identified 23-year-old Demaurea Leon Grant and three other African-American males as persons of interest in the case. The suspects were considered armed and dangerous.
Despite investigations, there was insufficient evidence at the time to pursue charges against Grant or the other suspects. In the years following, Grant was involved in other criminal activities, including a 2024 incident where he was charged with the murder of an off-duty corrections officer in Jacksonville, Florida. This arrest brought renewed attention to his alleged involvement in Montgomery's death.
Montgomery's family and the community continue to seek justice for his untimely death. The Union County District Attorney's Office remains committed to resolving the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Monroe Police Department or Union County Crime Stoppers.
