CMPD charges man accused of shooting, killing woman at ATM in University City

CHARLOTTE — Police have identified and charged a man accused of shooting and killing a woman at an ATM in July.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Karen Baker was killed in a random robbery on July 13 in University City. Her family said she was getting money from an ATM when it happened.

On Sunday, police identified the suspect as J’wuan Horton, 24. He is charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon, authorities said.

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Horton had just gotten out of prison five months before Baker’s murder. He had been out on parole after being convicted of armed robbery and breaking and entering.

“Based on his record, we see an escalation of violence,” Major Melanie Peacock said.

Police said they followed clues for months that pointed to Horton as a potential suspect. However, it was tips from the public that helped put him away.

“This is a case where the community came forward with multiple tips that helped us piece together what may have occurred and lead us to this suspect,” Peacock said. “We’ve had more tips on this case than I can remember in recent history on most cases.”

On Sunday, Baker’s son, William McClure, told Channel 9′s Glenn Counts that if the system worked, Horton would have been in prison and not able to commit the crime that took his mother’s life.

“This man should have never been released back onto the streets, and what I don’t understand, why is it that it has to get to the point where someone’s life has to be taken before something is taken seriously,” William McClure said.

The charges show aggravating factors against Horton, which means prosecutors could seek the death penalty against him.

Police said Horton is currently in jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for this week.

“It just doesn’t bring her back, but this definitely will give us some closure that he has been caught and that he can’t do any more harm to anyone else,” William McClure said.

>> Reading this story in our app? The “Follow the Lead” feature allows you to tap the blue tag indicated with a ‘+’ to subscribe to alerts on the very latest breaking news updates.

In July, Baker’s sons said they not only wanted their mom’s killer captured, but they also wanted everyone to know what she meant to them. Their goal was to honor her life — starting with justice.

“And I hope that one day — it may not be today, it may not be tomorrow — but I just hope that justice will be served,” Michael McClure said.

“They didn’t just take my mom’s life. They took hundreds and thousands of lives. She touched so many people,” William McClure said.

(WATCH BELOW: Family asks for help after police release photos of suspect accused of killing mom at ATM in University City)

Family asks for help after police release photos of suspect accused of killing mom at ATM in University City

©2022 Cox Media Group