A Charlotte, North Carolina community is mourning the tragic loss of 4-year-old Caleb Flax, who was killed after gunfire erupted in a residential neighborhood and struck multiple homes early Sunday morning.
According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, the shooting happened around 3:01 a.m. Sunday, September 20, on Grassy Patch Lane in northwest Charlotte. Officers responding to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon found several homes and multiple vehicles had been struck by gunfire.
Caleb was inside his home when the gunfire struck. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died at approximately 7:18 a.m. His grandfather, Frank Abdullah, said Caleb had been sleeping when he was shot.
An adult woman was also struck by gunfire and hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police reports listed additional people as potential victims, although Caleb and the woman were the two people who were physically struck by the gunfire.
A neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the sound of what appeared to be at least a dozen gunshots. Investigators believe multiple people may have been involved, but as of September 23, police had not announced any arrests or identified a motive.
Caleb’s family and neighbors are now remembering the young boy while seeking answers. His grandfather described him as a child who loved everyone and was known throughout the neighborhood.
“He never met a stranger,” Abdullah said, according to WBTV. “He was a good child. He was a great child.”
The tragedy has also prompted community leaders, faith leaders and local officials to call for a long-term response to gun violence. During a gathering Wednesday, community members stood in solidarity with Caleb’s family and emphasized the need for safer neighborhoods and greater cooperation to prevent similar tragedies.
Imam Ibn Tamir Abdul Mutakabbir of Masjid Ash Shaheed said every family should be able to sleep safely in their own home, while community members urged anyone with information to come forward.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are asking residents in the area to review security and doorbell-camera footage from approximately 2:50 a.m. to 3 a.m. Investigators are particularly interested in footage showing people, vehicles or suspicious activity before the shooting.
Anyone with information can contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600.
The investigation remains active.
