One person killed in southeast Charlotte stabbing; police arrest suspect as investigators review fight circumstances

What investigators say happened

One person died after a stabbing early Monday, March 24, 2025, in southeast Charlotte, prompting a homicide investigation and an arrest later that day.

Police said officers responded around 2 a.m. to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon in the Grier Heights area, along Burkland Drive. At the scene, officers found a 20-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

Victim identified and arrest made

Investigators identified the victim as Shamaree Bell-Brown, 20. Detectives later arrested Maya Jena Jones, also 20, in connection with the death.

Jones made her first court appearance on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was denied bond and was scheduled for another court date on April 11, 2025.

Fight under review; early uncertainty over charges

Police indicated early in the investigation that they were working to determine what led up to the stabbing and initially described speaking with one person without filing charges at that time. Investigators also noted the case required careful review because initial information suggested the possibility that the stabbing occurred during an attempt by another person to defend themselves.

Authorities later characterized the incident as stemming from a fight, but have not publicly released detailed information about the relationship between the people involved, the events immediately preceding the stabbing, or what evidence led detectives to an arrest.

Where the case stands

• Location: Apartments along Burkland Drive in the Grier Heights area of southeast Charlotte.

• Time: About 2 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025.

• Victim: Shamaree Bell-Brown, 20, died at a hospital after being stabbed multiple times.

• Arrest: Maya Jena Jones, 20, was arrested and brought before a judge on March 25, 2025.

• Court: Bond denied; next court date set for April 11, 2025.

Public safety messaging

Police urged residents to seek ways to de-escalate conflict and separate from heated arguments rather than resorting to violence.

The investigation remained ongoing as detectives continued to document the scene, collect evidence, and evaluate circumstances surrounding the fight and the fatal stabbing.