In the early hours of Monday, April 6, 2026, the quiet of a north Charlotte cul-de-sac was shattered by a fatal act of violence that claimed the life of 58-year-old Tammy McCollum. A female victim, she was discovered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police around 2 a.m. in her home on Cardington Court after they responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon their arrival, officers found that she had sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
The investigation into her death quickly led to a suspect who was already at the residence. Her husband, 61-year-old Eddie McCollum, was taken into custody. According to law enforcement, he had a familial relationship with the victim. It was later revealed that he had called 911 and informed the dispatcher that he had shot his wife during an argument. He also reportedly told the dispatcher where the gun was located within the house. After being interviewed by detectives, Eddie McCollum was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. In his initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $1 million.
The sudden and violent nature of Tammy McCollum's death sent shockwaves through her community. She was identified as a minister at The Well Worship Center in Statesville, a congregation that expressed profound heartbreak over the tragic events involving two of their cherished members. The church released a statement decrying violence in any form and acknowledging the ongoing police investigation. Her husband, Eddie McCollum, was a teaching assistant at Southwest Middle School and has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
Family members were left reeling and searching for answers in the wake of the tragedy. One of their three children described her parents' relationship as one of deep love, stating there were no prior issues of domestic violence, which made the circumstances all the more bewildering. For those who knew and loved Tammy, her death was a significant loss. Friends and family gathered to honor her memory, celebrating what would have been her 59th birthday with a balloon release, choosing to remember the life she lived rather than the tragic manner in which it was taken.
