x
Breaking News
More () »

Sheriff's office identifies homicide victim as deputy

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police were investigating a homicide Monday evening in east Charlotte. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office said the victim was a deputy.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte Mecklenburg Police were investigating a homicide Monday evening in east Charlotte. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was a deputy.

It happened around 4:00 p.m. in the 13300 block of Ashley Meadow Drive.

Officers said they found a man with a gunshot wound who was pronounced dead on the scene. The sheriff's office has identified him as Deputy Sheriff James Hawkins. The 35-year-old had been with the county since 2005 and worked in arrest processing.

Investigators said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related. The sheriff's office identified James' wife as Deputy Sheriff Rataba Hawkins. She has been with the county since 2002 and is assigned to field operations.

Police sources said Rataba Hawkins shot James then called 911, but they have not labeled her as a murder suspect.

The sheriff's office said chaplains will be available for the staff to deal with the tragedy.

This is the fourth homicide of the year in the Queen City.

Before You Leave, Check This Out