CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A third person is now facing charges in connection with the death of an 18-year-old who was shot and killed in south Charlotte in October, records show.
Maximillian Ruggiero appeared in court Wednesday on first-degree murder and armed robbery charges related to the death of Zachary Evan Rieken, who was found dead inside a car along James Blakeney Avenue on Oct. 26. Bond was denied for Ruggiero.
Doorbell video obtained by WCNC Charlotte shows the moments a gunman shot into Rieken's car. Rieken can then be seen driving and crashing the car. The shooter and others ran to another car and sped away from the scene. An arrest record from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police alleges that Ruggiero stole approximately $200 worth of marijuana from Rieken at gunpoint.
"His death continues to take my breath away," Chandra Rieken said during a vigil on Nov. 4. "It hurts so much to know that he is gone."
Two other teenagers are also facing charges in the case, including a 17-year-old. All three suspects are charged with murder and other charges related to the incident.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with homicide detectives.
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.