CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: WCNC Charlotte has chosen to show this mugshot because of the charges involved.
More than a year after a man was found dead in a Charlotte park, police say they've obtained arrest warrants for a suspect they say is already incarcerated for another unrelated matter.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Saturday that 34-year-old Curtis Elliott is now charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He's accused of killing 32-year-old Jamal Jones in late January 2023. Elliott is currently in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections.
Jones was found shot to death in Cordelia Park on January 31, 2023, near the Villa Heights and NoDa neighborhoods. The discovery of his death rattled neighbors who frequent the park, along with nearby business owners.
CMPD publicly identified Jones in early January 2024 in an appeal for information about his killing.
Records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections show Elliott was sentenced to serve more than three years in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon in November 2022. His record, which dates back to 2008, shows sentences and supervision for possessing drugs, assault on a female, and speeding to attempt to avoid an arrest among other charges.
The investigation is still ongoing. CMPD asks anyone with information to call (704) 432-TIPS to talk with a homicide unit detective. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers online or via phone at (704) 334-1600.
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.