The quiet of a late spring evening in north Charlotte was shattered on May 23, 2025, when gunfire erupted on Stroud Park Court, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with the devastating loss of a 16-year-old boy. Jamariyee Dixon, a teenager with his life ahead of him, succumbed to his injuries on May 27, 2025, transforming a triple shooting into a homicide that has gripped the attention of Charlotte residents. The tragedy, marked by its sudden violence and the youth of its victim, has sparked renewed conversations about gun violence and public safety in the city.
The incident unfolded shortly before 5:30 p.m. on that fateful Friday, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in a residential area of north Charlotte. Three individuals were struck by bullets in what authorities described as a targeted attack. Emergency medical services rushed two of the victims to a nearby hospital, while a third, suffering from a gunshot wound to the ankle, arrived at the medical facility separately. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Jamariyee Dixon, the youngest of the victims, could not be saved. His death, confirmed four days later, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, where neighbors expressed both grief and fear over the escalating violence in their streets.
Investigators swiftly turned their attention to video evidence that captured the chilling moments of the shooting. According to court documents, the footage revealed a man drawing a firearm, pointing it at several individuals, and firing multiple shots. This critical evidence led police to identify 20-year-old Marion McKnight as the primary suspect. McKnight was apprehended and booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025. He now faces serious charges, including one count of murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder, reflecting the severity of the incident that claimed a young life and endangered others.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, McKnight appeared in court for the first time on the murder charge. A judge appointed a public defender to represent him, underscoring the gravity of the case. McKnight is being held without bond on the murder charge, a decision that reflects the court’s view of the crime’s severity and the potential danger he poses. For the three counts of attempted first-degree murder, a $1 million bond was set, signaling the significant legal consequences awaiting the young suspect. As the judicial process begins, the community waits for answers, hoping for justice for Jamariyee Dixon and the other victims.
The loss of Jamariyee, a teenager described by those who knew him as vibrant and full of potential, has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends. His death adds to a troubling trend in Charlotte, where gun violence has claimed numerous lives in recent years. Local leaders and residents alike are calling for action to address the root causes of such tragedies, from investing in youth programs to strengthening community policing efforts. The incident on Stroud Park Court serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to confront the challenges facing the city’s neighborhoods.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has emphasized its commitment to ensuring those responsible are held accountable. Meanwhile, the community mourns, gathering to honor the memory of a young life cut short and to support one another in the face of senseless violence. For now, the focus remains on healing and seeking justice, as Charlotte grapples with the pain of yet another tragedy.
