SHELBY, N.C. — A teenager is now dead after a report of a drive-by shooting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, according to the Shelby Police Department. Now, a 20-year-old man is wanted in connection to the shooting.
Investigators responded to the area of Roberts Street and Martin Street in reference to a call about gunfire. According to a news release from the agency, a female victim was found lying in the yard of a home in the 500 block of Roberts Street. SPD said that's where the incident took place.
The incident reportedly happened right before 4 p.m.
Authorities confirmed the victim was a 16-year-old girl and was pronounced dead after being taken to Atrium Health Cleveland.
Family members confirmed the identity of the teenager as Skyteria Poston.
Poston's cousin, Tasha Crank, provided a photo of the teen during a remembrance event that happened on Nov. 10.
According to the department, investigators determined a vehicle drove by and fired a weapon at the home. The victim was the only person shot during the incident.
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, the department said they had filed warrants against 20-year-old Santana Almont Eaves Jr., of Shelby, for 1st-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property. As of writing, Eaves has not been arrested.
"Get him in custody so we can have justice for my cousin," Crank told WCNC Charlotte.
The Cleveland County Schools district also said it is working to provide resources to students in the wake of the shooting, releasing the following statement: "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. We have had our student services team in and around campus throughout the day today for both the students and teachers. We also had a warm amount of Central Services personnel at the school early this morning to simply be there to help in any way possible."
"Just rest assure that, you know, we're gonna work our hardest to get this guy off the streets as soon as possible," Sgt. Seth Treadway with SPD's Criminal Investigation Division said.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact SPD at (704) 484-6845. People can also remain anonymous and submit tips by calling (704) 481-TIPS
Treadway said tips can also be accepted through the department's Facebook page.
Funeral arrangements for Poston have not been made public at this time.
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 mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the nature of the case and the fact he has not yet been taken into custody.
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