Man accused of fatally hitting woman with car in south Charlotte, leaving the scene without stopping to help

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says a man hit and killed a woman while driving his car, only to flee the scene.

In a news release shared Tuesday, CMPD said it happened around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, along South Tryon Street and Bowman Road. Officers arrived initially to help Medic with a service call. 34-year-old Eircka Laronda Jones was unresponsive when found, but died at the scene.

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CMPD said officers' initial investigation led them to find that Jones was either walking on or crossing South Tryon Street when she was hit by a red 2009 Infiniti G37 Sport. The department said the driver did not stop to help Jones or call for first responders to help. The car was later found a few blocks from where the scene unfolded.

Officers said they were able to identify 27-year-old Matthew Sean Rowley as the driver. He was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 23, and charged with felony hit and run causing death along with reckless driving.

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Mecklenburg County Jail records indicate Rowley was released just after noon on Christmas Eve. He had been issued a $150,000 secured bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who may have more information to offer should call Det. Leung at 704-432-2169 Ext# 6. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers online or by calling 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.

WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the charges in the case.