Arrest made in deadly southwest Charlotte shooting

CHARLOTTE — Residents in a townhome community are relieved that police made an arrest after a deadly shooting Wednesday night.

Leon Wilfrido Esquita, 45, was arrested the day after a female was shot and killed outside a townhome in the 15700 block of Country House Street.

Esquita shot a gun while he and the female victim, who has been identified as Jane Doe, were inside a vehicle, according to the arrest warrant. She was fatally shot.

The neighborhood off Hamilton Road near Steele Creek Road was on edge for hours after the shooting.

‘It’s just tragic’

The suspect walked inside the wrong house after the shooting, according to neighbors.

A woman, who didn’t want to be identified, said it traumatized her neighbor.

“She just saw him push open a door and went in on her and pointing a gun,” the woman said.

Resident Roemelle Mack is raising a family in the community.

“Prayers to the girl who lost her life and her family,” Mack said. “Condolences to everyone. It’s just tragic to hear of something like that.”

The Chateau Townhomes is a good neighborhood, he said.

Wednesday night was a reminder that people should protect themselves, Mack said.

“I would encourage everyone to make sure they have something to protect their homes like it’s just super, super essential,” he said.

Esquita was charged with first-degree murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle. He was placed into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center under a $1 million bond. He was given a court-pointed attorney.

No further information was released.

VIDEO: 3 die in shootout tied to confrontation outside southwest Charlotte apartments

3 die in shootout tied to confrontation outside southwest Charlotte apartments

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