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Fourth person charged for teen's death at Monroe park

Three of the suspects are juveniles and authorities are not allowed to release their identities.

MONROE, N.C. — Four people are now in custody and charged with murder after a 19-year-old was found dead in July.

On Thursday, the Monroe Police Department announced that a juvenile was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals. According to a release, the U.S. Marshals located the juvenile hiding in a residence in Albemarle.

The juvenile's name has not been released. However, police say they are being charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Police say on Sunday, July 31, Monroe police found Yusuff Haamid-Sumpter, 19, dead from a gunshot wound at Dickerson Park before 8 a.m.

After the shooting, police obtained an arrest warrant for Mekhi Barrino-Straing, who turned himself in on Aug. 4.

Barrino-Straing, along with two other juveniles, were taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Barrino-Straing's next court date is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Credit: Monroe Police Department
Mekhi Barrino-Straing

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"I would like to thank the members of the community who have stepped up to assist the Monroe Police Department in this investigation," Bryan Gilliard, Monroe Police Chief, said.

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Note: WCNC instituted a new 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 is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because Mekhi Barrino-Straing is charged with murder.

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