CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released surveillance video Wednesday in hopes of finding the people responsible for the murder of a beloved sandwich shop co-owner.
Two people tried to rob Scott Brooks, 61, around 5 a.m. on Dec. 9 before shooting him to death outside his family business, Brooks’ Sandwich House, in NoDa.
CMPD said Brooks was getting the business on North Brevard Street ready to open when he was shot.
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When officers got there, they found him suffering from a gunshot wound outside the eatery. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Detectives said although they’ve received many tips, none have led to an arrest and they are once again calling on the community for help.
The department released several images and surveillance clips from the morning of the murder showing two masked men creeping around the business and at least one of the men was holding a gun.
At a news conference Wednesday, officers urged people to look at the images closely and speak up if they recognize the men. They also reiterated that any tip, no matter how small it seems can help.
The reward for information that helps officers bring those involved in Brooks’ murder to justice increased to $21,000 after the Federal Bureau of Investigation offered an extra $10,000 and other local organizations jumped in with private donations.
Tipsters can get the reward while remaining anonymous and do not have to give any personal information or testify in court.
“We need the community to be there for the Brooks family today, step forward and give us this information so that we can find justice for Scott,” CMPD Lt. Bryan Crum said.
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Scott Brooks’ twin brother, David Brooks, was at the news conference joined by other family members and was thankful for the overwhelming support from the community.
“The support that we received gets us through the grief every day,” he said. “It’s not easy, he was my twin brother.”
The Brooks’ family is hoping the surveillance videos and evidence helps bring closure to them and the community.
“We can’t bring him back but maybe bring a little bit of justice to not only us, but the community, too,” he said.
Community members have rallied around the Brooks family since the shooting. Hundreds of visitors have stopped by the shop to drop off flowers and light candles in honor of the long-time fixture.
“Everyone is still talking about Mr. Brooks and the tragedy,” resident Colleen Gephardt said. “Not only is it the business owners, but it’s also the homeowners and the passion in the room is unreal, about how people feel about this community and each other.”
Brooks’ Sandwich House has been a family-run business since 1973, according to its website. The Brooks brothers took over the business from their father and now, a third generation of Brooks help run the joint.
There’s no word on when Brooks’ Sandwich House will reopen, but the family said when it does, they’ll open later in the morning to protect workers.
Anyone with information about the shooting or anyone who recognizes someone from the surveillance video is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, the homicide unit at 704-432-TIPS (8477), the FBI at 704-672-6100 or 911.
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