Juan Cristian Santiago-Flores, 24, was shot in the early morning hours of May 15, 2023, on Milton Road in east Charlotte. CMPD officers found him with gunshot wounds at about 1 a.m.; he was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

Investigators say the shooting may have been motivated by robbery. Two men, Erik Espino-Perez, 20, and William Espino-Perez, 25, were arrested June 23, 2023, at a U.S. border crossing while attempting to reenter the country; federal authorities assisted. Both were charged with murder and a series of related counts including conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and attempted murder.

The charges allege others were endangered during the incident, but many details about the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear. Anyone who knew Juan, saw activity on Milton Road that night, or has information relevant to the case is asked to come forward.