Arrest announced in January 5 northwest Charlotte homicide as police charge 21-year-old with murder
Charges filed weeks after fatal shooting on Carol Avenue
A man has been charged in connection with a January shooting that left a 24-year-old dead in a northwest Charlotte neighborhood, closing an early chapter in the city’s 2026 homicide investigations while detectives continue to seek information about what led to the gunfire.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced Feb. 13, 2026, that Taylen Germon Barbour, 21, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Police said the charges were filed Tuesday, Jan. 27.
What investigators have confirmed about the case
Police have identified the victim as Kishmere Wright, 24. Officers were dispatched shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to the 3000 block of Carol Avenue after a call reported an assault with a deadly weapon with injury. When officers arrived, they found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. MEDIC pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Police have described the investigation as active and ongoing. Detectives with the department’s Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation, and Crime Scene Search personnel processed the scene and collected evidence. Police have also said additional information would be released through the department’s public information channels as it develops.
Timeline: from the shooting to the arrest announcement
Jan. 5, 2026: Officers respond to Carol Avenue after reports of an assault with a deadly weapon with injury; Wright is found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
Jan. 6, 2026: Police identify the victim as Kishmere Wright, 24, and notify next of kin.
Jan. 27, 2026: Police file charges against Barbour, including murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Feb. 13, 2026: Police publicly announce the arrest and charges.
What remains unknown
Police have not publicly detailed a motive, the relationship (if any) between the suspect and the victim, or the circumstances that immediately preceded the shooting. Court records, investigative summaries, and probable-cause materials were not included in the police announcement, and investigators have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Police have continued to describe the case as “active and ongoing,” a designation that typically indicates investigative steps can continue even after charges are filed.
How the public can help
Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department’s homicide detectives. Tipsters can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.