Zackary Evan Rieken, an 18-year-old from Waxhaw, North Carolina, was shot and killed in his vehicle on the night of October 25, 2024, just before midnight in the 12800 block of James Blakeney Avenue in south Charlotte. A Ring doorbell camera captured a gunshot and video showed at least four people running to a white SUV and fleeing. After being shot, Zackary tried to drive away but crashed into a nearby tree; officers found him in the car with a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say the shooting occurred during a drug deal that had been set up as a robbery. Detectives allege 18-year-old Maximillian Ruggiero orchestrated the meeting because he owed money and had previously robbed Zackary; a 17-year-old was reportedly asked to arrange the buy. Police took a 17-year-old into custody on October 29 and arrested 18-year-old Smajie A’Nee Johnson on November 1, with authorities saying Johnson was the shooter. Ruggiero was arrested on December 3 and charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

If anyone witnessed the shooting, the meeting beforehand, or saw a white SUV leaving the area, please come forward with information.