Abijah Philemon Barkley, 21, was fatally shot in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 9, 2024, shortly after 7 p.m. The shooting occurred near the 400 block of Fairwood Avenue in the Westover Division. A witness initially reported what looked like an overdose after seeing Barkley in distress, but paramedics found he had been shot; he was transported to a hospital and later died.

Barkley was a father to a four-month-old daughter and worked two jobs, including overnight shifts at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and daytime work as a food delivery driver. CMPD investigators identified a 17-year-old male suspect, who was arrested April 2, 2024, and charged with murder. Prosecutors say the suspect and an associate planned to rob Barkley of his firearm and money and that the suspect shot Barkley during the attempt; the defense says the shooting was self-defense, claiming Barkley drew his weapon first. The juvenile was initially released on a $300,000 unsecured bond, then had bond revoked and was ordered to be tried as an adult; a secured $300,000 bond was later set and the suspect was re-incarcerated.

Anyone with information about the shooting or who knew Abijah Barkley is asked to come forward.