On February 29, 2024, 33-year-old Michael Beasley-Kanash was found deceased in the parking lot of a Bojangles restaurant on West Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Employees discovered his body around 8:30 a.m. and initially believed he was sleeping. Upon closer inspection, they realized he had been fatally shot and contacted authorities.
Investigators determined that Beasley-Kanash, who was experiencing homelessness, had been sleeping in the parking lot when he was attacked.
Surveillance footage and witness interviews suggest the shooting occurred around 4 a.m., several hours before his body was discovered. Detectives believe someone approached him while he was lying down and shot him without provocation.
Originally from Largo, Florida, Beasley-Kanash had relocated to Charlotte seeking assistance for addiction and mental health challenges. His mother, Billie Acevedo, described him as having a "vibrant heart" and expressed profound grief over his loss. She noted that he was attempting to return to his family in Florida at the time of his death.
As of December 2024, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with Beasley-Kanash's murder. Detectives continue to seek information from the public to aid in solving the case. They urge anyone with knowledge about the incident or who had contact with Beasley-Kanash to reach out to the homicide unit or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing evidence and following leads to bring justice for Beasley-Kanash and closure for his grieving family. Community members are encouraged to assist by sharing any relevant information that could help identify the perpetrator and prevent further violence in the area.
