Sheriff Darren Campbell stated on January 24, 2017 at approximately 10:30 pm Deputies and Detectives responded to a residence on Brookcreek Dr. in reference to a shooting. When Deputies arrived they found Kelvin Ramone Velez, 20 years old of Charlotte dead of what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The homeowner Jackson Tyler who was the only other person reported to be in the home when the incident occurred said a female knocked on the door and then the victim rushed in with a gun and was shooting at him. Tyler said he ran from the man shooting at him and then turned and the man was laying in the living room dead. Tyler’s initial statement was that he didn’t know the man or who or how he got shot.
As the investigation continued it was determined early on the two men did in fact know each other. In addition Tyler waited approximately an hour before anyone called 911. A search of the residence revealed a large quantity of illegal drugs that included Marijuana and suspected ecstasy estimated to be over 3,000 tablets. In addition evidence at the scene indicates that Tyler who according to his criminal history is prohibited from possessing firearms, was making suppressors (aka silencers) and other firearm components at his home.
As Detectives continued to piece together what happened it was determined there was no evidence that Velez shot at Tyler as he had stated. Additionally other parts of Tyler’s statement were inconsistent with evidence at the scene. Tyler later stated to Detectives that he might have had a gun and might have tripped and accidently shot Velez. In addition no evidence was found that indicated Velez fired any shots.
Based on the all the evidence Jackson Tyler was arrested and charged with Murder. Once the illegal narcotics are processed to determine weight and exact amount Detectives will seek additional felony charges for drug offences. The ATF was contacted and responded to assist and are currently conducting an investigation in regard to the seriousness of firearms related offenses.
Both the victim and suspect have past criminal arrests for drug related offenses. The investigation is still ongoing and Detectives are trying to determine a motive for the shooting and if the crime scene was altered prior to the arrival of Law Enforcement.
Jackson Suddreth Tyler is currently being held at the Iredell County Detention Center, charged with Murder with not bond. Additional charges are expected.