On June 11, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 12600 block of Atkins Circle Drive in south Charlotte. Upon arrival, they discovered 29-year-old Reginald Averi Gilkesson with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, Mr. Gilkesson was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the early stages of the investigation, CMPD's Homicide Unit, along with Crime Scene Search, processed the scene and collected physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC, Victim Services, and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Prosecution Team also assisted in the investigation.
On June 13, 2023, CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) arrested 28-year-old Justin Duane Rix in connection with Mr. Gilkesson's death. Mr. Rix was transported to the Law Enforcement Center in Uptown Charlotte, where he was interviewed by detectives. Following the interview, he was charged with murder and shooting into an occupied property. He was then transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation into Mr. Gilkesson's death remains active and ongoing. CMPD continues to encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact their Homicide Unit or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
