Preston Scott Coffey, a 44-year-old white male, was tragically shot and killed on October 24, 2017, during an attempted robbery at his business in east Charlotte, North Carolina. Coffey was confronted by the suspect, Chrishna Fimbo, a 19-year-old male, inside his office at the Sharon Amity Business Park on Amity Court. The incident occurred around 11 p.m., and Coffey was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled before police arrived, and a woman who witnessed the shooting called 911.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department launched an investigation and released surveillance footage of the suspect. Detectives identified Fimbo as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. At the time, Fimbo was already in custody at the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office on unrelated charges. He was charged with murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree kidnapping. During an interview with CMPD detectives, Fimbo confessed to the murder.
Coffey's ex-wife, Gina Coffey, expressed her grief and anger over the homicide but also forgave the shooter. She emphasized that Coffey was a devoted father to their three children, a 15-year-old boy and 10-year-old twins. Gina Coffey hoped that the shooter would find peace in his heart and turn himself in for the sake of their children. Neighbors in the area were shocked by the incident, describing the office park as a quiet and safe place.
The case garnered significant attention, and the CMPD continued to gather information and evidence. The public was encouraged to provide any additional information to help with the investigation. The tragic death of Preston Scott Coffey highlighted the impact of violent crime on families and communities, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
