Jayla Symone Barnett, an 18-year-old African American woman, was fatally shot on April 14, 2022, at about 5 p.m. in the parking lot of a Shell gas station on Albemarle Road near the Mint Hill border in Charlotte, North Carolina. Paramedics responded but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say a physical altercation occurred between Jayla and another female moments before the shooting. The suspect is a minor and has not been identified in reports; she was taken into custody for questioning but no arrests or charges have been announced. Police described the shooting as not appearing to be random and continued to process the scene and interview witnesses.

Family and friends remember Jayla as passionate about football, basketball and her family, and cousins said she put her all into what mattered to her. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family. If anyone has information that could help the investigation, contact the Mint Hill Police Department.