CHARLOTTE, N.C. — 21-year-old Sherilyn "Alicia" Drew was described by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as a bright student approaching the end of her studies at Georgia State University. She taught herself American Sign Language, Korean, and German, and was just one year away from earning her degree in biology. She visited her family's home in Charlotte for one last summer away from school this year.
But on May 31, 2021, her life was cut short.
CMPD says Drew was shot and killed by suspects who pulled into the driveway of her family's home that night, opening fire into the home.
“This case should outrage the community,” said CMPD Lt. Bryan Crum.
Crum said investigators believe the home was targeted by mistake.
"We don’t know who the people were looking for, but based on our investigation it had nothing to do with Alicia and nothing to do with her family so this was just clearly the wrong home,” we said.
Her family is desperate for information, and Crime Stoppers has even offered a reward for information in the case.
“Alicia's family tells us she was somebody who would bend over backward to help someone," Crum said. "Well today, Alicia and her family need your help."
But police say her case isn't the only one they're investigating, and similar crimes are already on the rise in 2021.
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During a press briefing Wednesday, CMPD announced they were seeing an upward trend in cases where shots were fired into occupied homes and cars. As of now, 499 such cases have been reported, which CMPD says is a 27% increase from 2020. Just like Drew, adults and even children have been hit by bullets, and several have died.
"No community should have to live listening to gunshots in their neighborhood," said CMPD Lt. Joan Gallant.
CMPD highlighted seven cases that saw arrests made, saying officers cleared them by gathering evidence and getting information from the public. In one such case, officers say a suspect shot into a car with four children and two adults inside; the youngest child was just one year old, who was struck by the gunfire. Another case saw a shooting posted on social media where two women shot into a car occupied by three people, including a 3-year-old child. And still, another case saw an apartment fired into during a dispute in the complex's parking lot.
Crum said finding the suspects for these crimes is not always easy.
“It's not like somebody is standing outside watching what happens, just the next thing you know bullets are coming through their living room or bedrooms," Crum said.
Crum said they are relying on community members coming forward to put those responsible behind bars.
“Literally word on the street, rumors, we would love to have that information," Crum said.
CMPD again asked members of the public for more information on the cases they are working on. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information in the death of Sherilyn Drew, and $1,000 for all other cases. Anonymous tips can be left by calling 704-334-160 or by submitting them online.
Contact Lana Harris at lharris@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.