On the morning of August 22, 2024, 24-year-old Nijel La’te Hitchcock of Charlotte was fatally shot in the parking lot of Danny’s Place on Church Street North in Concord at about 8:45 a.m. After being shot, Hitchcock entered a vehicle and attempted to drive away but lost control; the vehicle collided with another car and struck a utility pole near Church Street and Winecoff Avenue. Emergency responders pronounced Hitchcock dead at the scene.

The assailant, identified as 26-year-old Deamonte Leeshawn Howard of Concord, fled on foot but was quickly taken into custody by Concord police officers. Investigators say Hitchcock and Howard were acquainted, and Howard has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; he is being held without bond at the Cabarrus County Jail. Hitchcock’s funeral was held September 3, 2024, at Rutherford Memorial Park in Concord.

If anyone knew Nijel Hitchcock or has information about the shooting, please share what you know.