On the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026, 50-year-old Odell Davis was shot and killed while cleaning his car in the 8100 block of Paw Club Drive in northwest Charlotte. Officers arrived after a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon; Charlotte Fire Department personnel pronounced Davis dead at the scene. The shooting occurred about 6:30 p.m.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect known to Davis. Freedom Division officers located 43-year-old Lionel Rodrigues Smith, who was taken into custody, interviewed by homicide detectives and then transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He was formally charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon and booked early Monday morning; he is being held without bond.

Some reports said the shooting followed a dispute between the men, but an affidavit reportedly stated there was no altercation before the encounter. Authorities have not released a motive and the investigation remains active. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about what led to the encounter on Paw Club Drive, please contact homicide detectives.