On January 7, 2024, at approximately 4:53 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a reported shooting at a residence on West Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 17-year-old Avyon Titus Thomas, a senior at Myers Park High School, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by Medic personnel.
The incident occurred during a party attended by multiple individuals.
Later that day, 18-year-old Jamir Easter turned himself in at the Law Enforcement Center in Uptown Charlotte. After being interviewed by homicide detectives, Easter was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Thomas's death. He was subsequently released on bond and had his first court appearance on January 8, 2024.
Myers Park High School Principal Robert Folk expressed deep sorrow over Thomas's passing, describing him as "a loyal friend to his peers and a caring and loving child." The school provided counselors to support students in the wake of the tragedy.
Funeral services for Avyon Thomas were held on January 13, 2024, at St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, followed by interment at Oaklawn Park Cemetery. Thomas's death marked a significant loss for his family, friends, and the broader community, prompting discussions about gun safety and the responsibilities associated with firearm ownership.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains active and ongoing. CMPD continues to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the case.
