CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A shooting at the former Lamplighter Inn Motel left two men dead Thursday afternoon, prompting a police investigation into the incident. Emergency responders received reports of gunfire shortly after 1:15 p.m. and found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds upon arrival. They were quickly rushed to a local hospital, where they later died.
Major Michael Anderson of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed the fatalities and indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages. As of now, the identities of the victims and the shooter have not been shared with the public.
Witnesses recounted a chaotic scene as shots rang out near the motel, which is currently undergoing renovations. A construction worker stated that he saw a black car pull up, and shortly thereafter, seven shots were fired. Another local resident, Kenneth Burden, who was on his balcony at the time, described the harrowing experience, saying he heard the gunfire and feared for his safety.
At 68 years old, Burden emphasized the troubling atmosphere surrounding the area. “I’m 68 years old, I’m out here fearing for my life,” he said, highlighting a growing concern among residents about safety in their neighborhood. The motel, once sought as a temporary refuge for the homeless, has a troubled history, contributing to fears about crime in the vicinity.
City officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding safety measures or plans to address the issues plaguing the motel and its surroundings. The local community is left grappling with the aftermath of the violence, heightening calls for action to curb such incidents and enhance security.
The investigation continues as authorities work diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, aiming to uncover who is responsible. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry. Residents, meanwhile, wait anxiously for updates, desperate for assurance in an environment that has become increasingly unsettling.