Second suspect arrested and charged with first-degree murder in East Charlotte shooting investigation

What investigators say happened

A second suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in east Charlotte, as investigators continue to build a case around a September 2024 homicide.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Khyre’ Jamaal Grier. Officers were called for a welfare check around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in the Eastcrest Drive area near Central Avenue, where Grier was found shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not publicly detailed a motive or the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Arrests and charges: what is known

Police initially arrested Fabio Herminio Funes, 49, and charged him with murder following an interview with homicide detectives. Soon after, investigators sought a second suspect, identifying Ramon Alexi Santos Funes, 34, as wanted in the case.

Ramon Alexi Santos Funes was later located out of state and taken into custody on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Orange County, Texas, with assistance from local authorities there. Following his arrest, he was extradited back to Charlotte and booked on a first-degree murder charge.

• Victim: Khyre’ Jamaal Grier, 25
• Location: Eastcrest Drive near Central Avenue, east Charlotte
• Initial arrest: Fabio Herminio Funes, 49, charged with murder
• Second arrest: Ramon Alexi Santos Funes, 34, returned to Charlotte and charged with first-degree murder

Case posture and what “first-degree murder” implies

In North Carolina, first-degree murder is the state’s most serious homicide charge and generally requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of premeditation and deliberation, or that the killing occurred under certain legally defined circumstances. A criminal charge is an allegation; prosecutors must still prove the case in court, and defendants are presumed innocent.

What remains unclear

Authorities have not released key investigative details, including the relationship between the victim and the suspects, whether the shooting was targeted, and what evidence supports the first-degree murder allegation against the second suspect. Police have indicated the investigation has continued as arrests were made across state lines.

If you have information relevant to the case, police continue to encourage the public to contact investigators or submit tips through local crime reporting channels.