CHARLOTTE, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime and the ongoing nature of the case.
A fourth suspect is now accused of playing a role in the Charlotte shooting death of 3-year-old Asiah Figueroa in September 2021.
On Wednesday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said 25-year-old Datonio Stephens was taken into custody on Friday, Sept. 20. Stephens was arrested with the aid of the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
Stephens is now charged with murder, eight counts of attempted murder, nine counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and conspiracy to commit murder. Asiah Figeuroa's loved ones have been informed of the arrest, according to CMPD.
The arrest comes more than three years after police said 150 rounds were fired into the northwest Charlotte home where Figueroa lived during a drive-by. Figueroa's older sister, who was just four years old at the time, was grazed by a bullet and survived.
Just days after the shooting, CMPD made its first arrest in the case. 21-year-old Qua'Tonio Stephens was taken into custody after a chase that ended on I-85 near Glenwood Drive. He faced a number of charges: accessory after the fact to murder, felony flee to elude, seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and three counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.
The second arrest came less than a week later: Jacob Lanier, also 21 years old, was charged similarly at that time to how Datonio Stephens is charged now.
A third 21-year-old suspect would be arrested soon after: Kaleb Lawrence. He turned himself in and was charged with first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, nine counts of discharging a firearm into occupied property, fleeing/eluding arrest in a motor vehicle, and reckless driving with willful and wanton disregard.
There is still another suspect CMPD is looking for as of January 2024: Bryce Felder, age 21. He remains wanted for murder and was deemed armed and dangerous when CMPD first asked for the public's help in locating him.
Anyone with information about Felder's location is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak anonymously with homicide detectives.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.