On the morning of February 17, 2023, 71-year-old Leon Mack was tragically killed in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Around 10:25 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a call on North Poplar Street in the Fourth Ward neighborhood, where they found Mack inside a truck, suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Shortly after the incident, officers apprehended 51-year-old Terry Thompson near the crime scene.
Thompson was arrested and charged with murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with Mack's death. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the motive or circumstances leading to the shooting.
Family and friends remember Mack as a generous individual who was always willing to help others. He had recently moved to the Poplar Grove Apartments in Uptown Charlotte. A vigil was held in his honor, with loved ones placing flowers and letters on his SUV parked outside his home.
Thompson, the suspect in this case, had a prior criminal record. He was recently released from prison after serving 14 years for a violent robbery. This history has raised concerns among community members about the circumstances that led to Mack's death.
The investigation into Mack's death remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward. This incident has contributed to ongoing discussions about safety and crime in Charlotte, prompting statements from local officials addressing the recent surge in violence.
