CHARLOTTE — A teenager has died after being shot in a parking lot in west Charlotte early Thursday morning, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
By Channel 9′s count, 17-year-old Melakah Corbette is already the fourth teenager to be shot and killed this year in Charlotte.
The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Pitts Drive near L.C. Coleman Park.
Police said they received several calls regarding shots being fired in the area. At the scene, they found Corbette who had been shot multiple times.
Corbette was a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student at Julius L. Chambers High School. The district said they would make counseling services available to anyone who needs them.
“We are praying for his family and friends as they grieve this loss of life,” the principal said in a message to families. “Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. We may feel a variety of emotions: shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other.”
Alique Hart is also a junior at Julius Chambers. He said there are a lot of sad people on campus.
“A lot of teachers knew him, they had a close relationship with him and his peoples,” Hart said. “It’s just sad because he was a good person but you could say he just fell down the wrong path.”
“It’s disheartening. It’s so scary,” a mom told Channel 9′s Evan Donovan. “You don’t know day to day what’s going to happen with your kids.”
“There’s a lot of people who are heartbroken right now,” Hart added.
He said he already misses Corbette.
“I just -- he was kind of hard-headed at times. He didn’t want to listen when you wanted to give him some advice,” Hart said. “But overall, I love him. Cool guy. I miss him.”
‘Bullets don’t have eyes’
Channel 9′s Almiya White spoke with CMPD Thursday about the investigation.
“There’s no ongoing threat to the community at this time. We have some limited information that there was an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot prior to us getting the call. But that’s the extent of what we know so far,” Major Dave Johnson explained.
Neighbors told White that they heard gunshots while inside their homes.
“I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop, pop,’” resident Curtis Stone said. “Saw the cops fly down the street.”
Mia Billings said she has lived in the area for 11 years and she is tired of the violence.
“We have gunshots out here. I mean it’s constant. I know I am in fear,” Billings explained. “Those bullets don’t have eyes, and they move fast.”
She said she wants the community to come together to address the problem.
“The neighbors even stand up, be a part of. Let’s make the change. Let’s make it better,” Billings said.
Police have not announced any suspects in connection with this case.
Read the full message to Julius Chambers families below:
“Julius Chambers families, this is Principal Hicks.
“I am deeply saddened to inform you that one of our students, 17-year-old Melakah Corbette, here at our school, died last night. We are praying for his family and friends as they grieve this loss of life.
“Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. We may feel a variety of emotions: shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other. The Crisis Response Team at Julius Chambers will be here to respond to the emotional needs of all students and available to assist with grief counseling. Counselors will be highly visible throughout the building and available to assist with grief counseling for students and staff.
“If your family has experienced a death or similar loss recently, this loss may bring up strong feelings. While this may be a normal experience, we want to provide assistance if needed. Please make your student’s teacher or our counselors aware if there is any additional information the school should be aware of so we can provide the support your student needs. This difficult time can be stressful and confusing. A sudden death may be disturbing to you as well as to your student. It is for this reason that we especially want you to know of our care and support.
“Thank you for your support of Julius Chambers.”
This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.
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