15-year-old boy dies days after being shot in east Charlotte

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By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 15-year-old boy died Tuesday night from injuries after being shot over the weekend in east Charlotte, police said.

The shooting happened around 2:40 p.m. Sunday on Sherington Way, not far from Independence High School.

Neighbors told Channel 9 that the boy, Zavier Ellis, was shot outside a vacant home after a fight.

He was taken to the hospital but died two days later.

Neighbors said the teen knew the shooter, who was part of a group that the victim had disagreements with before.

Police have not released a motive in the shooting.

The shooting happened just feet away from John Pinckney's home.

"That would be heart wrenching to see something like that," said Pinckney. "It's not something you ever want to hear happen, especially if you're a parent."

Another neighbor described to Channel 9 what he witnessed Sunday night.

"I was home, I was cleaning up in the garage and my son came in and was like, 'Dad, I heard gunshots," a neighbor said. "Probably not even five minutes later the police were out, and I came outside to see what was going on, and I seen them put him in an ambulance."

The neighbor asked Channel 9 to conceal his identity, fearing whoever shot his neighbor could hurt his family.

"He's a good kid," he said of the 15-year-old, who was also a good friend of his son.

He told Channel 9 on Monday that Ellis was a student at Independence High School. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said counselors are always on hand if a student needs it during tough times.

"[My son] is really tore up right now. I've been trying to console him about it because they were really good friends, used to play basketball out here, traded clothes, everything, like brothers," he said.

The neighbor said he's tired of hearing of young kids getting shot and wants to see something done about it.

"Maybe get some more activity centers around here, something where these kids are not in trouble all the time."

Officers are looking for witnesses and have not released a suspect description.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS.

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