On June 10, 2023, at about 12:30 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers responding to a welfare check in the 500 block of Peppervine Lane in Steele Creek found 33-year-old Justin Lavon Johnson with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The next day, June 11, CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested 48-year-old Lawrence Arnold Jackson in connection with Johnson’s death; Jackson was interviewed by detectives and charged with murder before being taken into custody.

Johnson worked in stage production and electronics setup for concerts and theatrical plays. A GoFundMe was started to help with funeral expenses and described him as a hardworking son, brother, and father. The investigation remains active; CMPD’s Homicide Unit is seeking anyone with information, or tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

If anyone knew Justin, lived nearby, or has information about what happened that day, please contact CMPD’s Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.