CHARLOTTE — Channel 9 is learning more about the person who was shot and killed on West Trade Street early Sunday morning.
Late Sunday afternoon, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified the victim as 33-year-old Manuel De Jesus Martinez.
Police are now working to determine who killed him and why.
The incident happened in Gateway Village which is a busy spot with people who live, work and got to school in the area.
“A little shocked. I think it’s kind of crazy that happened,” said Claire McAllister, a student.
Police were called to the 700 block of West Trade Street around 4 a.m. When they arrived, they found Martinez with a gunshot wound.
MEDIC pronounced him deceased at the scene.
The murder took place less than a block from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus. It got the attention of the student body.
“It definitely reminds me that anything can happen and it doesn’t matter what time it is, so to be careful is something I think all of us were reminded of,” said student Morgan Jarrett.
Word quickly spread about the incident. One student even got a call from his mother who was in Atlanta.
“My mom even called me about it and she is not here,” said Christiane Pearson. “My mom called me and I was talking to my roommates about it.”
Freshman Isaac Morrow said it was a shock to wake up and hear about the shooting.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in the case. In addition to tips, they may be aided by merchants due to the amount of security cameras in the area.
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