CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are more calls for action after five shootings in less than 24 hours in the Charlotte area over the weekend, including two homicides.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police statistics, there have been at least 50 homicides so far this year. That's up from fewer than 30 this time last year.
The first shooting happened Saturday along Remound Road near West Boulevard. The victim, 29-year-old Octavis Houston, died at the scene.
A second deadly shooting happened early Sunday in east Charlotte. Police responded to a reported shooting along Kilborne Drive, which is just off Eastway Drive, around 5 a.m. The victim was taken to the hospital where they later died.
Neighbors told WCNC Charlotte the crime in the area has gotten out of hand.
"It's not a good area," Lottie White said about her east Charlotte community. "They're trying to straighten it up, now they have the police and the police sit and watch those two stores. They're trying. That's all they can do, is try."
Sunday saw three other shootings in various parts of Charlotte. Two happened in northeast Charlotte with another one near Lake Wylie. Medic confirmed one person was hurt in each shooting, with all three victims being taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
CMPD hasn't released any details on arrests in any of these cases. Anyone with information about any incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Witnesses may also call 704-432-TIPS to speak with homicide detectives. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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