On October 7, 2023, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a reported assault with a deadly weapon in the 10500 block of Park Crossing Drive in south Charlotte. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim with apparent gunshot wounds; he was transported to Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Shortly thereafter, 21-year-old Paychense Marie-Ann Hammonds arrived at Atrium Health Pineville with a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased.
Paychense, affectionately known as "Pay Pay," was a 2020 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School. She was celebrated for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, particularly her talent in crafting lace front wigs, designing nails, and creating her own clothing. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her family and craft left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
In the course of their investigation, CMPD detectives identified 21-year-old Jaydon Bakari Turay as a suspect in the shooting. On October 16, 2023, Turay was arrested and charged with murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The arrest brought a measure of progress to the case, though the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The tragic loss of Paychense has deeply affected her family and the Charlotte community. Her passing underscores the devastating impact of gun violence and has prompted calls for increased efforts to address such incidents in the area. As the legal process continues, her loved ones and the community seek justice and healing in the wake of this senseless act.
