CMPD: Teen arrested after man found dead behind east Charlotte school

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they’ve arrested a 16-year-old suspect after a man was found dead near an elementary and a middle school in east Charlotte.

Police said they were called to Riding Trail Road shortly before 6:30 a.m. on April 21, for a report of a suspicious person. They said that when they arrived, they found a man with “apparent trauma.”

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Officers confirmed the man, later identified as 20-year-old Malik Boyd, died at the scene.

Officers have not said how Boyd died, but said he was not a student.

“We want to make sure that nobody is concerned about the safety of the school. Everything is intact and well at the school,” said Maj. Jackie Bryley, with CMPD.

Police said they believe Boyd and suspect knew each other.

On April 29, the 16-year-old was arrested and transferred into sheriff’s office custody on first degree murder charges, police said.

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Both Albemarle Road Elementary School and Albemarle Road Middle School are near Riding Trail Road. Channel 9 reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and officials said they were looking into the incident.

“Why would someone do that, especially around kids, especially at a school right here in the neighborhood. So it’s real mind-blowing,” parent Joia Robinson said.

At the scene, Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura could see the schools appeared to be operating as normal. Patrol cars were parked near a field behind the school as officers investigated.

“I am very shocked. And it’s kind of scary,” neighbor Denise Wilson said. “All this crazy killing for no reason needs to stop, it’s just senseless. People need to have more morals.”

CMPD asks anyone with information to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a detective. Information can also be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by clicking here.

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