East Charlotte shooting: 17-Year-Old Oscar Paisano-Perez Fatally Shot on Eastcrest Drive; CMPD Homicide Unit Urges Community Cooperation in Ongoing Investigation to Identify Suspects and Motive
Charlotte, North Carolina—The east Charlotte community is grappling with the tragic death of 17-year-old Oscar Paisano-Perez, who was shot and killed in broad daylight on Sunday afternoon. This incident, which took place around 3:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of Eastcrest Drive, has left residents shaken and concerned for their safety. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has launched an intensive investigation, with the Homicide Unit actively seeking leads to determine both the motive and those responsible for the shooting.
This fatal incident adds to the rising number of youth-involved homicides in Charlotte and raises pressing questions about the root causes of violence in the city. Community members, law enforcement, and local officials are calling for action and cooperation to prevent further tragedies. Here’s an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the investigation, and the impact on the community.
The Incident: An Afternoon Turned Deadly
According to CMPD reports, officers responded to an emergency call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon on Eastcrest Drive, a residential area in east Charlotte known for its family homes, schools, and community parks. Upon arrival, officers found Paisano-Perez, who had suffered a gunshot wound. Despite the rapid response from paramedics and first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the shooting took place outside a residential area, though details about the exact location and events leading up to the incident remain under investigation. Detectives are working to piece together the moments leading up to Paisano-Perez’s death, hoping to understand whether he was targeted or if this was a random act of violence.
Remembering the Victim: Oscar Paisano-Perez
Oscar Paisano-Perez was a young man with a promising future. Described by family and friends as kind, ambitious, and hardworking, Paisano-Perez had recently started thinking about his future career and was known for his dedication to his family. Friends recall his enthusiasm for sports and the love he had for his siblings. “He was just a kid with so much potential,” shared a close friend. “He didn’t deserve this.”
As news of his death spread, family members, friends, and community members gathered to mourn his loss, leaving candles, flowers, and messages of remembrance on Eastcrest Drive. In a statement, his family expressed their deep sadness and urged the community to support the police in finding justice for their son. “Oscar was our heart. We want answers, and we want to make sure no other family has to go through this,” they shared.
Community Shock and Fear: Rising Violence in East Charlotte
The tragic death of Paisano-Perez has heightened concerns in east Charlotte, where residents have increasingly reported violent crimes involving young people. Community leaders are calling for a proactive response from city officials and law enforcement to address the root causes of youth violence, particularly in neighborhoods where families are worried about the safety of their children.
Charlotte residents took to social media to express their grief and frustration. Some voiced fears about letting their children play outside, while others lamented the lack of safe spaces for young people in their neighborhoods. “It’s terrifying,” said one local resident. “This is supposed to be a community where our kids can grow up safely, but incidents like this make us feel like nowhere is safe.”
CMPD’s Ongoing Investigation: Gathering Evidence and Following Leads
The CMPD Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Search detectives were on the scene shortly after Paisano-Perez’s death was confirmed, marking the beginning of an in-depth investigation. Detectives worked diligently to secure and process evidence at the scene, hoping to uncover clues that could lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects.
In a public statement, CMPD officials noted that they are pursuing every available lead and examining nearby surveillance footage. Detectives are also canvassing the neighborhood to interview potential witnesses, with the hope that someone may have seen or heard something unusual on Sunday afternoon. Police are looking for any information about people or vehicles seen in the area at the time, believing that even small details could be instrumental in solving the case.
Public Appeal for Information: Community’s Role in Justice
CMPD has issued an urgent public appeal for anyone with information to come forward. The Homicide Unit is encouraging community members who may know anything about the shooting to contact Detective Jones at 704-432-TIPS. CMPD also reassured potential informants that they can submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or through the Crime Stoppers website.
The department emphasized that community cooperation is critical to bringing justice to Paisano-Perez and his family. Police highlighted that even seemingly insignificant details could provide detectives with vital insights. “We’re asking anyone who saw or heard anything to contact us. Your information could be the key to solving this case,” CMPD said in a statement.
Youth Violence in Charlotte: A Growing Crisis
The death of Oscar Paisano-Perez reflects a troubling trend in Charlotte, where youth violence and gun-related incidents have been on the rise in recent years. According to CMPD data, there has been an increase in shootings involving teenagers, sparking concern among community advocates, school officials, and parents. The rise in youth homicides has prompted city officials and law enforcement to take action, but incidents like this underline the ongoing challenges they face.
Local organizations dedicated to reducing youth violence are calling for expanded preventive measures. These include after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and mental health resources aimed at providing young people with support and alternatives to criminal activity. “We need to look at the root causes of why these kids are turning to violence,” said a representative from a local youth organization. “It’s about more than just policing. It’s about providing them with opportunities and showing them a path forward.”
CMPD and Local Government’s Efforts to Address Gun Violence
In recent years, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has implemented a number of initiatives to combat gun violence, including the deployment of additional officers in high-risk neighborhoods and the use of data-driven policing tactics. The department has also partnered with federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to trace illegal firearms and disrupt gun trafficking networks that may be contributing to violence in the city.
However, community members and advocates argue that policing alone cannot solve the complex problem of youth violence. They are calling on local government and community organizations to invest in long-term solutions that address poverty, education, and mental health support. City Council members and community leaders are currently working to allocate funds toward such initiatives in hopes of fostering a safer, more supportive environment for Charlotte’s youth.
Legal Ramifications and Justice for Oscar Paisano-Perez
Once suspects are identified, they will likely face serious charges, including first-degree murder and firearm-related offenses. In North Carolina, first-degree murder carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment without parole. CMPD officials have assured the community that they are committed to bringing those responsible for Paisano-Perez’s death to justice.
Should the suspects be minors, there is the possibility of their cases being processed within the juvenile justice system, depending on the severity of their charges and any previous criminal history. However, given the fatal nature of this crime, it is likely that the suspects could be tried as adults if apprehended. Legal experts anticipate that prosecutors would seek the maximum penalty under the law, a reflection of the severity with which the justice system views youth-involved homicide.
Support for the Family and Community Resources
In response to Paisano-Perez’s tragic death, local support groups and community organizations have rallied to offer assistance to his family and friends. Several organizations provide grief counseling and support services to those affected by violent crime, including the Charlotte Victim Assistance Network. Community centers and churches are also offering resources and hosting events for residents to come together, grieve, and find ways to support one another during this difficult time.
Recognizing the impact of violence on communities, the CMPD has highlighted resources available to residents affected by the incident. This includes access to mental health counseling, trauma-informed care, and youth mentorship programs that can provide guidance and support to vulnerable community members.
The Path Forward: Calls for a Safer Community
The death of Oscar Paisano-Perez serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity and action in addressing youth violence. Community leaders, law enforcement, and residents agree that a holistic approach is essential for preventing future tragedies. Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs, increased after-school activities, and greater support for at-risk families have been identified as crucial components in building safer communities.
Residents are encouraged to participate in local safety meetings, engage with community organizations, and support youth-focused programs to foster an environment where young people can thrive without fear. In a public statement, CMPD reiterated its commitment to working with community members to ensure that such tragedies become a rarity rather than a norm.
Hope for Justice and Healing
As CMPD’s Homicide Unit continues its investigation, the city of Charlotte mourns the loss of Oscar Paisano-Perez and rallies around his family in the search for answers and justice. This tragic incident has left a lasting impact on the community, but with ongoing collaboration between residents and law enforcement, there is hope that solutions can be found to prevent further loss of young lives to senseless violence.
CMPD’s investigation remains open, and detectives are following every lead in their pursuit of justice for Oscar Paisano-Perez. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and support efforts to create a safer Charlotte. The city’s collective grief over the loss of a promising young life underscores the urgent need for action and compassion to protect the future of its youth.
