Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office

This morning, ADA Bill Bunting, who leads the DA’s Homicide Team, joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, state and federal law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and advocacy organizations to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Today, we remember the lives of those stolen from our families and neighborhoods by gun violence and stand in solidarity with survivors and their loved ones. Gun violence continues to affect communities across the country, shattering families, and impacting the lives of far too many young people.
Through collaboration with our public safety partners and community members, we must work together to hold accountable those who commit gun violence and to ensure a future where every person can live in peace.

Today, Emmanuel Collins was sentenced to life in prison after a Mecklenburg County jury found him guilty of the July 2020 shooting death of 52-year-old Jessie Hurley. The DA’s Homicide Team prosecuted the case.

The District Attorney's Office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and its freedoms. We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend.

This morning, DA Merriweather and members of the DA’s Office attended the annual Mecklenburg County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

As National Police Week comes to a close, we pause to remember those we have lost, stand with their loved ones, and express our deepest gratitude to the officers who have before and continue to put their lives on the line each day to protect Mecklenburg County. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The District Attorney’s Office is thrilled to host a new art exhibit featuring works from artist Kimsoeuth Veth. His works use mainly graphite pencils and charcoal to create detailed black and white drawings on large canvas. The exhibit will be on display in our lobby until July!

The DA’s Office was proud to walk alongside Safe Alliance and so many other community partners at Walk A Mile 2026 on Saturday! This annual event serves as powerful reminder of what happens when we stand with survivors of domestic and sexual violence to secure justice and ensure they and their families can live in peace.

Earlier this week, our Exploring program’s 2025-2026 session concluded with the annual mock trial! The engaged and curious group of students took on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses while members of the DA’s Office served as coaches and judges. We are so proud of the effort these students put in throughout the year.
The District Attorney’s Exploring program, in partnership with Mecklenburg County Council, Scouting America, gives high school students a hands-on introduction to legal careers.
Our next session will begin with an open house in the fall. Learn more about the program here: https://charmeckda.com/citizen-resources/community-outreach/

Yesterday, Joshua McClain was sentenced to life in prison after a Mecklenburg County jury found him guilty of the March 2020 shooting death of 43-year-old LaMar McNeil. The DA’s Homicide Team prosecuted the case.

We are just days away from Safe Alliance’s Walk a Mile 2026 at Truist Field! This annual event raises awareness and critical funds to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. The District Attorney’s Office will once again have a team participating in this meaningful event! For more details on how to register, click here: https://www.safealliance.org/event-pages/walk-a-mile/