Darius Antonio Fuller, a 22-year-old African-American man known for his vibrant personality and an infectious smile that could light up any room, was a beloved son, father, and friend. Affectionately called "DaDa" by his loved ones, Darius was remembered as a fun-loving person whose humor and charm were a source of joy to his family. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Beatties Ford Road area, a corridor known for its deep community roots. Darius attended Hopewell High School and later completed his GED at Stonewall Jackson. A proud father, he left behind a young son, Ky'len Fuller, and a large, close-knit family who cherished him deeply.
The final day of Darius's life was Thursday, July 31, 2014. In the early morning hours, around 1 a.m., officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to a call in the northwest part of the city. They arrived on Tillman Road, near the intersection of Interstate 85 and Glenwood Drive, to find a grim scene.
Darius had been shot. Police believe he had been in a car that subsequently crashed in a wooded area nearby. Medical personnel responded, but Darius succumbed to his injuries, his death ruled a homicide. The sudden and violent loss of a young man just beginning his adult life sent a shockwave of grief through his family and community.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation. Detectives canvassed the area, searching for evidence and potential witnesses who might have seen or heard something in the quiet, early morning hours. From the outset, investigators stated that they did not believe the shooting was a random act of violence, suggesting that Darius may have been targeted. However, the specific circumstances that led to the shooting remained unclear to the public. The investigation was complex, and despite their efforts, police did not publicly name any suspects or persons of interest in the immediate aftermath of the crime.
In the days following his death, family and friends gathered to mourn and remember the young man who had been taken from them so abruptly. A memorial service was held at King Funeral Home in Charlotte, providing a space for the community to come together, share memories of Darius, and support one another in their collective grief. The loss was a painful reminder of the impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods across the city. For those who knew and loved Darius, his absence left a permanent void.
Years have passed since Darius Fuller's life was cut short, and his case remains unsolved. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not announced any arrests or significant new leads in the investigation. For his family, the pain of his loss is compounded by the lack of answers and justice. They continue to hold onto the memory of a charismatic young man with a contagious smile who was a devoted father to his son. The case is now considered a cold case, waiting for the one piece of information that could help investigators solve the crime and bring closure to a family that has waited for years. As of the latest available information, no reward has been publicly offered, but anyone with information is urged to contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
