On September 21, 2023, at approximately 5:38 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon in the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive, located in the Freedom Division of Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon arrival, officers discovered 24-year-old Kwandarrius De’Markeith Montaviu Howze with apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.
At the time of the shooting, Howze was inside his apartment with his mother and her four children, aged between 2 and 11. Reports indicate that someone fired into the apartment, fatally striking Howze while he was asleep. His mother recounted waking to the sound of gunfire, instructing the children to get on the floor, and then discovering her son downstairs, struggling to breathe. She remained by his side until he passed away.
In the aftermath of the incident, Howze's family expressed profound grief and fear for their safety, as no arrests had been made, and the suspect remained unidentified. His grandmother described him as playful and friendly, emphasizing the family's devastation and concern over the lack of justice. The family appealed for the perpetrator to come forward and for an end to gun violence.
As of December 23, 2024, the investigation into Howze's death remains active and ongoing. CMPD continues to seek information from the public to aid in identifying and apprehending the individual(s) responsible for this homicide. Detective Fitch is leading the investigation, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit directly or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
