Anthony DePaul Little

Do you know who killed 20 year old Anthony DePaul Little in 2001?
On a bright summer morning in Charlotte, North Carolina, a young man’s life was brought to a violent and sudden end. Just a few weeks after his 20th birthday, Anthony DePaul Little, an African-American male born on May 23, 1981, was killed in a brazen shooting that left a community in shock and a family without answers. For more than two decades, the questions surrounding his death have remained, and his case is a somber reminder of a life cut short and a crime unresolved.

The attack occurred around 11:44 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2001. Anthony was driving his car in southeast Charlotte, near the intersection of Sardis Lane and Sardis Green Court, a residential area with tree-lined streets. In a shocking burst of violence, one or more assailants fired multiple shots directly through the front windshield of his vehicle. The bullets struck Anthony, causing fatal injuries. After the shooting, his car came to a stop, and it was passersby who noticed the bullet holes in the glass and the grievously wounded young man inside. They immediately called 911, but by the time first responders arrived, it was too late. Anthony DePaul Little was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department launched an immediate homicide investigation. Detectives canvassed the neighborhood, searching for witnesses and evidence that could shed light on the final moments of Anthony’s life. The shooting marked the city's 31st homicide of the year, a grim statistic that underscored the urgency of the case. In the initial stages of the investigation, police had no suspects and very few leads. Capt. Randy Johnson of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police told reporters at the time that investigators were trying to determine the motive behind the killing, considering possibilities such as a drive-by shooting or a case of road rage. However, the trail quickly went cold.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests have ever been made in connection with Anthony’s murder. As the years turned into decades, his case was moved to the department's cold case unit. These dedicated investigators periodically review unsolved homicides, hoping that new technology, a fresh perspective, or a long-overdue tip might finally provide the breakthrough they need. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department keeps Anthony's case file open, a testament to their commitment to finding justice for him and his family, no matter how much time has passed.

Very little has been shared publicly about who Anthony was as a person—his dreams, his passions, the family who loved him, and the friends who remember his presence. His story is largely defined by the tragic circumstances of his death, leaving a void where memories of his life should be. The public record focuses on the crime itself, a brutal act that silenced a young voice before he had the chance to fully share it with the world. The lack of available information about his life is a profound part of the tragedy, highlighting a loss that extends beyond a single day in July 2001.

The investigation into the murder of Anthony DePaul Little remains active. His case is listed among the unsolved homicides for which the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to seek information from the public. A reward may be available for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction in the case. Authorities urge anyone who may have seen something on that Friday morning, or who has heard any information in the years since, to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be the key to finally closing this painful chapter for a family that has waited too long for justice.