Late Sunday night in north Charlotte, a gathering at a home on Hucks Road ended in gunfire, leaving 20‑year‑old Richard Thomas dead and four others hurt. Police were called just after 7:30 p.m. after neighbors reported shots rang out near Old Statesville Road. When officers arrived, they found a large crowd of young people and chaos at the scene.
Officials say Thomas was found behind a home with a fatal gunshot wound. He was identified as the lone person killed in the incident. Four others were hurt and taken to local hospitals, but none of their injuries were believed to be life‑threatening.
Witnesses told police that a pool party had been underway before the shots. Many of the people there were teenagers or young adults waiting for rides when officers walked up. The sudden violence shocked neighbors who expected a typical weekend gathering, not a scene of gunfire.
Investigators from the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Police Department are now piecing together what happened. Detectives have not released any details about possible suspects, and no arrests have been announced. Officers are asking anyone who was there or who saw something to come forward with information.
Police officers at the scene expressed frustration at how quickly a social event turned tragic. They urged parents to know where their children are and to keep a close watch on large gatherings that can spiral out of control in moments.
Friends and family of Thomas described him as someone with plans and people who cared about him, now left grieving and searching for answers. The community has been shaken by the loss of a young life in what many are calling a senseless act of violence.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities say they hope tips from the public will help lead them to those responsible for the shooting.
