IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The Iredell County Sheriff's Office announced a man wanted for killing his father in Troutman has been taken into custody.
Deputies were called to a home Saturday along Emmanuel Road south of the Troutman community after a caller asked for a welfare check. The caller said they were supposed to meet someone who lived at the house, but the person did not show up.
After deputies didn't get a response from a door knock, they looked inside a window and found a body on the floor. Once they got inside, deputies said Michel Renard Clarke was found dead, and it was apparent he had been killed by someone else.
After canvassing the neighborhood, the sheriff's office found surveillance video sources that indicated 23-year-old Carlton Michael Clarke was a person of interest. Further investigation led deputies to obtain an arrest warrant, accusing him of murder.
The sheriff's office confirmed both men were related as father and son.
On Friday, Jan. 20, Clarke was located and arrested in Charlotte, deputies confirmed. Deputies said he had stolen a car from his father, and it was found abandoned in downtown Charlotte on Jan. 15. Clarke was spotted Friday, Jan. 20 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. He was quickly taken into custody without incident.
Clarke is now in jail under no bond after appearing in front of a magistrate.
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 suspect in this case because he remains wanted and is deemed armed and dangerous.