In the early hours of February 9, 2026, a violent encounter in north Charlotte tragically cut short the life of 45-year-old Michael Gerard Alexander. The incident unfolded shortly after midnight at a strip mall located on David Cox Road. Alexander was with a friend when they were ambushed by individuals who had arrived in a black Mercedes Benz. The assailants, armed with guns, demanded money and proceeded to rob both victims.
The situation escalated when the suspects attempted to force
Alexander into their vehicle. A struggle ensued, and during the confrontation, Alexander was shot multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene in the Mercedes Benz, taking Alexander's keys and wallet with them. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 12:33 a.m., and first responders found Alexander with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit immediately launched an investigation into the deadly shooting. Their efforts led them to identify 19-year-old Mehki Royce Randle as a primary suspect. On February 19, 2026, members of the CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and North Tryon Division officers located and arrested Randle. Following an interview with homicide detectives, he was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
Randle has been charged with a litany of serious felonies in connection with the death of Michael Alexander. These charges include first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon involving a second person. The investigation into the homicide remains active and ongoing as authorities continue to seek information from the public regarding the incident.
