A violent robbery in north Charlotte on February 9, 2026, left 45-year-old Michael Gerard Alexander dead. The incident occurred shortly after midnight at a strip mall on David Cox Road. Alexander and a friend were ambushed by people who arrived in a black Mercedes Benz; the assailants, armed with guns, demanded money and robbed both victims. During an attempt to force Alexander into the vehicle, a struggle broke out and he was shot multiple times. The suspects fled in the Mercedes, taking Alexander’s keys and wallet. Emergency services arrived about 12:33 a.m.; Alexander was taken to Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and later died of his injuries.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit opened an investigation and identified 19-year-old Mehki Royce Randle as a primary suspect; Randle was arrested on February 19, 2026, and charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon involving a second person. The investigation remains active and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone witnessed the robbery at the David Cox Road strip mall or has information about the Mercedes Benz or the people involved, please share what is known with investigators.