On January 4, 2023, at approximately 4:22 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to a report of an injured person at the intersection of West 24th Street and North Graham Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 46-year-old Charles Jimmie Maxie Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services transported Maxie to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The following day, January 5, 2023, CMPD detectives arrested 29-year-old Cedric Thompson in connection with Maxie's death. Thompson was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Witnesses reported observing a man being shot in the parking lot of Wayne’s Supermarket, after which a suspect vehicle was seen fleeing the scene along North Graham Street.
Further reports indicated that the incident was a drive-by shooting near uptown Charlotte at the intersection of North Graham Street and West 24th Street. Thompson was apprehended by CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and formally charged with first-degree murder and firearm possession violations.
Maxie, a Navy veteran, was remembered by family and friends for his caring and loving nature. His sister, Marquita Evans, described him as someone who could light up a room with laughter and was always willing to help others. His passing was deeply mourned by those who knew him.
The swift arrest of Thompson provided some measure of relief to the community, though the motive behind the shooting was not immediately disclosed. CMPD continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
