On the evening of April 17, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 300 block of Lakewood Avenue in west Charlotte. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, identified as 26-year-old Lemuel Eugene Carr Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
In the days following the incident, CMPD detectives identified two suspects believed to be involved in the shooting. On April 19, 2023, the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), located and arrested 33-year-old Marcus Shankle. He was charged with murder and attempted murder. Subsequently, on April 24, 2023, 18-year-old Jonuss Jenkins was apprehended in South Carolina by VCAT, SLED, and the Lexington County Sheriff's Office. Jenkins faced similar charges of murder and attempted murder. Both suspects awaited extradition to Charlotte, and the victim's family was notified of these developments.
In October 2024, further developments emerged involving one of the suspects. On October 3, 2024, CMPD officers patrolling a high-crime area on West Sugar Creek Road encountered 34-year-old Shankle, who was reportedly armed. During the confrontation, an officer perceived an imminent deadly threat and discharged his weapon, striking Shankle. Shankle sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. It was later revealed that Shankle had been arrested in connection with Carr's death in April 2023 but had posted bond in January 2024. The charges against him were dismissed in July 2024 due to insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution.
As of December 2024, the investigation into the death of Lemuel Carr Jr. remains active. CMPD continues to seek information from the public to bring closure to the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600 or visit charlottecrimestoppers.com.
