17-Year-Old Oscar Paisano-Perez Killed in East Charlotte Shooting
A tragic incident has left the east Charlotte community shaken as a 17-year-old lost his life following a fatal shooting on Sunday afternoon. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) reported that Oscar Paisano-Perez was found dead after officers responded to a call concerning an assault with a deadly weapon on Eastcrest Drive.
The call to CMPD came shortly before 3:30 p.m., directing officers to the 1600 block of Eastcrest Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered Paisano-Perez, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention from emergency responders, Paisano-Perez was pronounced dead at the scene. The young man’s untimely death has left residents and loved ones grappling with grief and concern over rising violence in the area.
To address the incident, CMPD’s Homicide Unit swiftly launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying both homicide detectives and forensic experts from the Crime Scene Search team. As part of their efforts, the officers conducted a systematic review of the area, examining the physical evidence left behind in hopes of reconstructing the event's timeline. Early indications suggest that detectives are working to establish whether the shooting was targeted or a random act of violence, though no further details have been released on potential suspects or motives.
Eyewitness accounts, often critical in unraveling the chain of events in cases like these, are also being sought. CMPD detectives have already begun interviewing potential witnesses in the neighborhood. Surveillance footage from surrounding homes and businesses is also under review to identify any individuals who may have been present at the time of the incident. CMPD has encouraged anyone in possession of information that might aid the investigation to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove crucial to solving the case.
The public’s assistance has been especially instrumental in previous cases, and law enforcement is hopeful that community support will similarly contribute to uncovering the circumstances around Paisano-Perez’s death. Detective Jones, who is leading the investigation, is specifically designated as the point of contact for individuals who may have knowledge of the incident. Those who can provide insight are urged to reach out directly to CMPD’s Homicide Unit by calling 704-432-TIPS. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers offers a confidential line at 704-334-1600, as well as an online platform where tips can be submitted discreetly.
This incident underscores a concerning trend in Charlotte, where the city has seen a rise in youth-related gun violence in recent years. Community leaders, educators, and local government officials have expressed frustration with the increasing frequency of such incidents, often pointing to a combination of factors, including gang influences, access to firearms, and socioeconomic pressures. Organizations dedicated to youth mentoring and violence prevention have been working actively in East Charlotte neighborhoods, but there is widespread recognition that additional resources and intervention measures are essential to curb these troubling trends.
In response to growing safety concerns, CMPD has recently implemented several initiatives aimed at preventing youth violence. Among them is the department's collaboration with school resource officers, who are trained to engage with students directly, aiming to address conflicts and reduce the risk of retaliatory violence. Community-based organizations, meanwhile, have advocated for more accessible mental health resources and recreational programs as preventative measures, emphasizing that a comprehensive approach is necessary to protect young lives.
As the investigation into Paisano-Perez’s death continues, CMPD is committed to keeping the public informed. Updates will be shared with the community as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the police department has reiterated its commitment to fostering a secure environment for all residents, vowing to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for this crime to justice.
