CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two teenagers are charged with murder in connection with the killing of a Garinger High School student in January, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said on Thursday.
Medic found 17-year-old Daikwan Deese shot to death at the Shamrock Garden Apartments complex in east Charlotte on Jan. 16. A 15-year-old was also hurt during the incident but only suffered minor injuries. The 15-year-old's grandmother told WCNC Charlotte that both victims were shot by someone else and confirmed her grandson was also a Garinger student.
"I was at home not knowing that this had happened," she said. "That's when I got the phone call from my daughter telling me that my grandson had been shot."
On Thursday, CMPD announced that two teens were arrested in connection with the shooting. A 17-year-old was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury and conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon. A 16-year-old was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon. Neither suspect has been identified due to their age.
Juvenile crime has been a major concern for CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, who was recently in Washington to discuss violent crime trends with White House officials. CMPD reported more than 3,00 juvenile arrests last year, a 34% increase from 2022.
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.