1 charged after Myers Park HS senior killed during party, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — A teenager was shot and killed during a party in northwest Charlotte on Sunday morning, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said. An 18-year-old has been charged in the case.

Officers went to a house on West Trade Street near the Brookshire Freeway just before 5 a.m. Sunday, where they found 17-year-old Avyon Titus Thomas. Thomas had been shot at the home and died at the scene, authorities said.

A Channel 9 crew could see police cars were set up outside of the ABODE at Greenway townhomes.

Myers Park High School posted on Facebook that Thomas was a 12th-grader there.

“We are deeply saddened to share that Avyon Thomas, a senior here at our school, died early this morning while at a gathering. His passing is a tragedy. Avyon was a loyal friend to his peers and a caring and loving child. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Avyon’s mother, grandmother, family, and friends,” the statement reads.

CMPD is investigating the death as a homicide. Jamir Easter, 18, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and turned himself into the police.

A life cut short

Sáenz spoke with Easter’s attorney, who said that they were both friends and that the shooting was an accident.

But it doesn’t number the pain for Thomas’ family. They said Thomas was just 17 years old and set to graduate from Myers Park High School this year. He had his whole life ahead of him, but it was cut short during a house party.

“Unbelievable,” said Priscilla Cloud, Avyon’s great aunt. “It’s unbelievable because he was such a good kid. He was so well-loved. He was loved so much.”

Avyon’s aunt says the family is rallying around his grieving mother, who has now lost both of her sons to gun violence.

“She’s taking it so hard because to relive this all over again, oh my God, I mean the whole family ... He was just so sweet. For his life to be gone, to be cut short like that, oh my God, it’s so sad,” she said.

They’re holding on to the memories of a teenager who loved basketball, was active in the congregation at St. Paul Baptist Church, and who was always there for his mom.

Now they’re trying to be there for her in his absence.

Parties at a rental

Neighbors told Reporter Glenn Counts the police response early Sunday morning caught their attention.

“Crime scene tape was all around the area and there were maybe 15 police officers visible for us,” Connor Webb said.

Webb also told Counts the townhome where the shooting happened is constantly leased by a homestay rental company. He said there have been several parties at the property.

Neighbors believe this tragedy will show the leasing company a real example of what can go wrong.

“They don’t care about what’s going on here, they’re not here,” Webb said. “It’s just a way for them to make money.”

‘No words’

Channel 9 looked into Easter’s background and learned that this was his first arrest. Because the shooting happened at a party, police believe drugs and alcohol might have been factors.

Easter was released on bond after a court appearance on Monday.

Easter’s attorney sent Channel 9 a statement on Monday. It said, in part: “There are no words that can express the extent of Jamir’s sorrow for the loss of life for his dear friend. The Easter family prays that God will comfort the Thomas family.”

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 704-432-TIPS.

This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH: Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead inside home in Catawba Co.)

Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead inside home in Catawba Co.

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