Charlotte Police Investigate Fatal Shooting at Coyote Joe’s Amid Surge in Weekend Violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coyote Joe’s, a well-known music venue located on Wilkinson Boulevard in west Charlotte. The shooting marks the fourth homicide in less than 24 hours, capping off a violent weekend that has shaken the community and left multiple families in mourning.

Authorities say the incident happened around 1:25 a.m. when off-duty CMPD officers working in the 4600 block of Wilkinson Blvd. responded after hearing gunfire. Upon arriving in the parking lot, officers discovered a man who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel confirmed the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A photojournalist from Queen City News, who visited the scene, confirmed that the shooting took place in the parking area outside Coyote Joe’s, a popular local nightlife venue.

CMPD Major Dave Johnson addressed the public in a statement about the weekend’s surge in violence.

“This has been a particularly, and tragically, violent weekend in Charlotte with four homicides in less than twenty-four hours. That’s four victims, that’s four families who are grieving,” said Johnson. “Know that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is working hard in every one of these cases to bring closure and bring justice to these families that are hurting and grieving this weekend over senseless, unnecessary violence. We won’t rest and we won’t stop until we find justice for these families and these victims.”

The deadly weekend began early Saturday morning when officers responded to a call about a violent assault in the 1300 block of Wembley Drive. The victim in that incident succumbed to injuries caused by blunt force trauma following an altercation.

Later that same day, two more homicides occurred in different parts of the city. One shooting took place in the 5600 block of North Graham Street in northeast Charlotte, while the other happened on the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive in west Charlotte. CMPD has not yet released information regarding possible suspects or motives in any of the four investigations.

As the department continues to work on these cases, officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that might assist in the investigations.
Anyone with tips or knowledge about these crimes is encouraged to contact CMPD detectives at 704-432-TIPS (8477) or to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 704-334-1600.

Could the Coyote Joe’s Shooting Have Been Prevented? Exploring Legal Options for Victims

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

When gun violence erupts at or near popular nightlife venues, serious questions arise about public safety and the responsibilities of property owners. The recent fatal shooting outside Coyote Joe’s in west Charlotte, which marked the fourth homicide in under 24 hours, is a tragic reminder of the growing risks in areas where large crowds gather—often without adequate security in place.

At Georgia Victims, we advocate for individuals and families harmed by violent crime on commercial properties. We believe every person—whether attending a concert, dining out, or simply passing through—has the right to expect a reasonably safe environment. When venue owners or property managers fail to provide such protections, and tragedy strikes, they may be held civilly liable under North Carolina’s premises liability laws and similar laws across the Southeast.

Important Legal Questions After the Coyote Joe’s Parking Lot Shooting

While the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) continues its criminal investigation, several key questions must also be asked from a civil legal perspective:

• Was Coyote Joe’s or the surrounding property previously the site of violence or disturbances?
• Did management or security staff have any prior warning signs, threats, or indicators of potential violence?
• Were there trained security personnel on-site at the time of the shooting?
• Did the venue implement appropriate crime deterrence measures, such as surveillance cameras, lighting, or crowd control?
• Have law enforcement officers responded to multiple incidents at or near the venue before?
• Given past events or the venue’s reputation, could this crime have been foreseeable—and possibly prevented?

These are the types of questions civil courts examine when determining whether a property owner or business operator may be held liable for negligent security. If the facts show that reasonable steps weren’t taken to protect guests, and someone was injured or killed as a result, victims or their families may have grounds to file a premises liability claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

Article source: https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/charlotte/unnecessary-violence-fatal-shooting-at-charlotte-music-venue-sparks-fourth-homicide-investigation-in-less-than-24-hours-police/

Image source: https://country1037fm.com/2025/07/23/charlottes-coyote-joes-takes-center-stage-in-new-netflix-drama/