On February 12, 2023, 15-year-old Steven Gomez was tragically shot and killed in east Charlotte, North Carolina. Steven, a freshman at Independence High School, was at a relative's home on Coriander Court, engaged in playing video games with friends and family. During this time, an individual in the room was handling a firearm when it discharged, fatally wounding Steven, who died at the scene.
Initially, authorities did not press charges, labeling the incident as an accidental shooting. However, as the investigation progressed, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified 32-year-old Kendal Morris, a local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, as a suspect. On March 4, 2023, Morris was arrested in Key West, Florida, and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Steven's death. The arrest was a collaborative effort involving CMPD, the Key West Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Following his arrest, authorities planned to extradite Morris back to Mecklenburg County to face charges. The case underscores the critical importance of responsible firearm handling and storage, especially in environments with minors present. Steven's untimely death serves as a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of negligent firearm use.
