CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte man is sharing the pain of losing a friend to gun violence as homicides have seen a 36% increase in the city so far this year.
Ranardo Perry, or Three, as friends call him, says Bryan Johnson was back in his old community visiting loved ones when he was shot and killed Friday night on Parkwood Avenue. As the investigation continues, Perry is hoping their story can help turn the tide on the city's violence.
The two grew up together on the north side of Charlotte, forming a bond more like brothers than friends.
"He’s just the type of person that, you have to love him," Perry said. "You don’t have to know him to love him. You know what I’m saying? That’s just who he is.”
Today, Perry is a business owner and so was Johnson, but that wasn't always the case. Growing up in challenging circumstances, Perry said, the two didn't always make the right choices.
“I got shot six times in my leg," Perry said. "They need to know like, I could’ve been the same person. I survived it.”
But, last Friday, Johnson did not. He was back in his old neighborhood when shots rang out at a park on Parkwood Avenue, killing him. Perry believes he wasn't the intended target.
"We still go back. That’s what it’s all about. To go to our community and holler at the ones that’s trying to get out of there, you know?," Perry said. "For him to just be coming home from work and stopping through to stop by and this happen ... I will not let this just play out like this is ordinary. My guy, he wasn’t ordinary. He wasn’t average, and I’m not gon’ let him go off like he was average.”
Johnson now leaves behind a wife and four children. His story, becoming more common in Charlotte, as homicides continue to rise.
The Alternatives to Violence program is one effort working to help through boots-on-the-ground initiatives, conversations, and resources.
Perry is a part of the group and says he's more motivated than ever to seek solutions.
"We ain’t gon' change everything. We ain’t gon' get a full change, but we can take a step, a big step," Perry said, "when you’ve got leaders and people that’s been through something and we say, hey this what need to be done.”
Perry asks for prayers for the Johnson's family mourning the loss.
Anyone with information that can help should call CMPD at (704) 432-TIPS to speak with a detective. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers by calling (704) 334-1600 or by submitting them online.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.