Deontae J. Sanders Jr., 21, was shot and killed on April 9, 2022, in China Grove, North Carolina. Officers were called about a shooting at Third Avenue and Elm Street at about 6:50 p.m. and found Sanders in the street with multiple gunshot wounds; he was later pronounced dead at a hospital after attempts to resuscitate him.

Authorities quickly identified a 21-year-old man from Salisbury, Jakari Quamaine Gardner, as the primary suspect. Gardner was arrested on April 15, 2022, charged with first-degree murder, booked into the Rowan County Detention Center without bond and scheduled to appear in court the following Monday. Investigators said Sanders and Gardner were acquainted; the motive had not been clarified.

Anyone who knew Deontae, saw activity around Third Avenue and Elm Street that evening, or has information relevant to the case is asked to come forward.