CMPD makes arrest after woman shot and killed in north Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating a homicide in north Charlotte.

According to the department, officers responded to Teresa Lane shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday evening.

At the scene, police told Channel 9′s Glenn Counts that they found Janna Lee Barnes, 24, who had been shot in the head by a man at the home. Barnes was pronounced deceased by MEDIC, according to police.

Police announced Monday they arrested Audie Lavonda Brack Belk Jr. who was on the scene when officers arrived. Belk was placed under arrest and charged with murder, according to police.

It is unclear how the man and woman know each other, but the incident seems to be an act of domestic violence, according to police.

Police said it’s important for couples to try and de-escalate situations before they reach a boiling point.

“Any time there’s disagreements and it starts reaching. Emotional violence is just as bad as physical violence. And a lot of times, even with emotional violence, they need to step away from one another. Go to separate rooms, maybe even go stay with a friend or family member. Just make that separation so they can talk things through with level heads vs everybody being in a shouting match,” Major Ryan Jackson said.

One neighbor told Channel 9 that the suspect and victim always appeared friendly. They said they were stunned by the entire situation.

This is a developing story, check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

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Suspect killed by police after shooting man, Gastonia PD says

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