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Bond denied for man accused of ambushing York County officers

By Mark Barber and Stephanie Tinoco
By Mark Barber and Stephanie Tinoco

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The man accused of shooting four York County law enforcement officers, killing one of them, waived extradition Friday afternoon and was taken to South Carolina Friday night.

Christian McCall, 47, was booked into the Mecklenburg County jail Thursday morning after being at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte since the shooting on Jan. 16.

His bond was denied Friday night in York County after a judge read the murder and attempted murder charges against him.

During the bond hearing, the judge told McCall he cannot have contact with his wife, victims or the victims' families.

McCall's next court dates are May 7 and June 19.

He was appointed a public defender.

During the extradition hearing earlier at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, reporter Mark Barber said McCall kept his eyes down and glanced occasionally at the sheriff and solicitor sitting in the front row.

York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said he tried to keep his emotions out of the courtroom when he finally saw the man accused of killing his detective.

"It will be a long process of healing and establishing our new norm," Tolson said. "The public support again has been tremendous, we certainly appreciate it and does help the healing process."

McCall has been taken to the Spartanburg County Detention Center Friday night.

Christian McCall - Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office 

Family members said the U.S. Army veteran had a great banking career and was the head of a wonderful family of three.

"The Christian McCall we know is a loving Christian husband of over 20 years, father of two great kids, son and brother," family members said.

The solicitor could try to seek the death penalty.

"Certainly, they have legal grounds but that decision will be made by Solicitor (Kevin) Brackett in consultation with the folks on his team," said McCall's attorney, Montrio Belton.

Channel 9's coverage on the deadly shooting: 

The four officers were ambushed when they responded to a domestic violence call.

York County Detective Mike Doty was shot and later died at the hospital. The three other officers -- Deputies Buddy Brown and Randy Clinton and York police Officer Kyle Cummings -- were injured but survived the shooting.

Now that McCall's case is starting to move through the court system, the focusing is shifting back to him, but Tolson doesn't want anyone to forget his men.

"The goal is to go home safely to your family so that didn't happen in this situation, and that's a tremendous sacrifice our officers bear," Tolson said.

 

(Sgt. Mike Doty, Sgt. Randy Clinton, Sgt. Buddy Brown, Sgt. Kyle Cummings)

McCall is charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder, four counts of using a weapon during a violent crime, and first-degree domestic violence.

Channel 9 looked into McCall’s past and confirmed that he served with the Army between November 1991 and November 1994 as a petroleum supply specialist.

McCall was awarded a Sharpshooter Badge with auto rifle bar, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Parachutist Badge and Army Service Ribbon.

McCall's family statementr: 

"The family is shocked, saddened, and devastated by the events of January 16, 2018. Our hearts have ached for Officers Mike Doty, Randy Clinton, Buddy Brown, and Kyle Cummings and their families.  
The Christian McCall we know is a loving Christian, husband of over 20 years, father of two great kids, son, and brother. 
Chris had a successful career in the banking industry--where he was well liked by his coworkers. He is also a proud veteran of the US Army. 
So, this tragedy, as we know it, was something uncharacteristic of Chris' past and seemingly promising future. 
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at CMC and Officers with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their high level of professionalism and compassion during this difficult situation. 
We continue to pray for the recovery of all those impacted."

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