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Man arrested, accused of killing Charlotte man more than a week earlier

He's accused of killing Derrick Byas, 36, along Rea Road.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man suspected of killing another man in Charlotte earlier in July was arrested in South Carolina on Wednesday.

 The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said 41-year-old Eric Watson was taken into custody in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Watson is charged with killing 36-year-old Derrick Byas more than a week prior.

Jail records showed Watson was booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center on Friday, July 19.

Credit: Mecklenburg County Detention Center
Eric Watson

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Watson was arrested with the help of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Byas' family has been notified of the arrest.

Byas was found dead in south Charlotte on July 8, 2024 as police were investigating a disabled car left in the roadway. Police said he had a gunshot wound when he was found along Rea Road, near I-485 and Piper Glen Drive.

Credit: Dwan Byas
Derrick Byas

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Investigators noted Byas was found outside of the SUV near an embankment off the road. Neighbors told WCNC Charlotte the discovery was grim and a shock for a normally quiet neighborhood.

Byas was one of five people killed in shootings across Charlotte within a 48-hour timespan that weekend.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

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.  

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