A fatal shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex in northwest Charlotte, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident unfolded at the Ascent at Mallard Creek Apartments, located off Odell School Road, just outside the Interstate 485 loop. Authorities are now conducting a homicide investigation to uncover the details surrounding the tragic death of 33-year-old Jameisha Wilkes.
The shooting took place around 3:30 p.m., a time when the complex would typically be bustling with residents and visitors. Witnesses reported hearing a series of loud gunshots that disrupted the usual afternoon calm. One witness, Charles Armstrong, recalled the initial sound, describing it as a “loud bang” that he mistook for a car backfiring. However, moments later, Armstrong heard a rapid succession of gunshots, signaling something far more dangerous.
“I happened to see her lying on the pavement and called 911,” Armstrong said. He added that he was left feeling unsettled by the public nature of the attack. “But I imagine everybody feels that way right now, just not knowing and it being broad daylight,” Armstrong reflected, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that gripped the apartment complex in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Other witnesses offered similar accounts, confirming that the victim had been running through the parking lot when a man approached and began shooting. A second witness reported seeing the woman collapse to the ground after three shots rang out. The suspect, dressed entirely in black, was seen fleeing the scene through a nearby breezeway, quickly disappearing from sight.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not yet confirmed the specific details shared by witnesses, as the investigation remains ongoing. However, the police have launched a full inquiry into the incident, hoping to uncover additional evidence and determine the circumstances that led to Wilkes’ death.
By Thursday afternoon, court records revealed significant developments in the case. The suspect, 32-year-old Dasean Maddox, had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and robbery in connection with Wilkes’ death. Maddox, who had been detained and transported to the Mecklenburg County jail, made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon.
Further investigation into the relationship between Maddox and Wilkes painted a troubling picture. According to court documents, Maddox reportedly confessed to a family member that he had impregnated Wilkes. Disturbingly, Maddox also admitted to traveling to Wilkes’ apartment, where he shot her, then stole her cell phone and intentionally drove over it.
This revelation raises serious questions about the motivations behind the brutal crime, including potential elements of domestic violence or other personal disputes. The details of the incident suggest that the shooting was not random, and investigators are working to piece together a full account of the relationship between Maddox and Wilkes.
The murder has left residents of the Ascent at Mallard Creek Apartments shaken and fearful for their safety. The complex, which is typically a quiet community, now finds itself at the center of a tragic event that has sparked widespread concern. The fear of gun violence, particularly in broad daylight, has led to heightened anxiety among those who live and work in the area.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and community leaders are calling for increased efforts to address gun violence and improve safety in Charlotte. As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on uncovering the full truth behind the death of Jameisha Wilkes and bringing justice to her family.
In the meantime, the residents of the apartment complex are left to grapple with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence that took place in their own neighborhood. The loss of Wilkes has created a lasting void, and many are hoping that answers will soon emerge to help make sense of the tragic events that transpired on Wednesday afternoon.
