On October 11, 2023, at about 5:00 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 6600 block of Wenda Place in east Charlotte near Idlewild Road. Officers found 34-year-old Simon Yemane Semere outside a residence with an apparent gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors reported hearing a single gunshot and a man screaming for help, and some witnesses saw a vehicle leave the area shortly afterward though visibility was poor.

CMPD detectives later identified 26-year-old Jakkael Best as a suspect. Best was arrested on October 14, 2023, and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon; he was taken into custody by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office after an interview with detectives. The motive has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether Semere and Best knew each other. CMPD says the investigation is active; anyone with information is asked to contact CMPD’s Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.

If anyone knew Simon Semere or saw activity in the Wenda Place area around 5:00 a.m. on October 11, please come forward with information.