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Teen accused of shooting, killing woman in Kannapolis

Police said he was taken into custody with the help of residents who saw him running away from the scene.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.

A suspect was arrested after a shooting unfolded in Kannapolis Monday night.

The Kannapolis Police Department said it happened along Lane Street at 8:45 p.m., just west of I-85. An altercation among several people at a home reportedly led up to the shooting.

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43-year-old Ebony Gill died at the scene of a gunshot wound. However, the suspect was also quickly caught.

Police said nearby residents saw 18-year-old Jawaren Brion Smith run from the scene and helped them apprehend him. Smith was taken into custody and is now charged with first-degree murder.

Credit: Cabarrus County Detention Center
Jawaren Brion Smith

Smith is being held in jail under no bond as he awaits trial.

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The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call Det. David Flynn at (704) 920-4024 or send him an email.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  

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. 

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