CMPD Holds News Conference After Charlotte Double Murder Suspect Turns Himself In
UPDATE: Officials say Vurnel Smith, Jr. turned himself in to a CMPD officer Tuesday afternoon, and has been taken to headquarters.
During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, officials said Smith called and arranged a location where he could be picked up. Officials say Smith is being interviewed by homicide detectives right now. We are waiting to learn more information.
CMPD says they are not looking for any other suspects in this case.
Check back for updates.
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UPDATE: According to court documents, Vurnel Smith’s wife filed a restraining order on him on July 15th and was denied by the judge.
In the document, the wife lists previous cases of violence involving Smith and voices a concern for her own safety. The filing was then denied on Monday, July 17th.
Vurnel Smith, Jr. is still wanted by CMPD for the murders of Jacqulin Gordon-White, 65, and Rufus Gordon, 69, at a home on Red Clay Lane Thursday morning.
Smith is believed to be driving a black 2017 Honda CRV LX model with a NC plate of PAS-9116. He is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts should immediately call 911.
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CHARLOTTE, NC — Neighbors say they never suspected trouble at the home where a double murder took place Thursday morning.
Police have not confirmed the male victim’s name, but neighbors say only four people lived in the house.
The victims included the mother Jaqueline Gordon-White, and the father Rufus Gordon who was missing. Their daughter, the suspect’s significant other, was treated at CMC.
A neighbor, Shaquana Woolfolf says, “We honestly thought someone came and did something to the family, I would have never thought someone in the home did something.”
Neighbors off Red Clay Lane say they are shocked to hear 65-year-old Jacqueline Gordon-White was found dead inside the home early this morning.
Juan Molina, another neighbor, says, “He’s outside all the time, he’s always in the garage, never no problems.”
40-year-old Vurnel Smith, Jr. is the prime suspect. Neighbors says he is either the fiance or husband of Jacqueline’s daughter.
Major Gerald Smith with CMPD says, “I would say we have severe concerns for anyone who comes into contact with Mr. Vurnel Smith, Jr.”
Police say the daughter showed up at CMC University, and told police there could be more victims back at her Red Clay Lane house. While searching her car at the hospital, police found a man dead in the trunk.
He’s believed to be Jacqueline Gordon-White’s 69-year old husband who was missing from the family’s home.
Molina says he got home from work around 4:15 this morning and saw the black 2017 Honda CRV police are looking for, with Smith inside, take off from the house. “He slowed down, stopped at the stop sign, was watching what I was doing for a little bit. I turned back to see what’s going on, and didn’t realize what was happening over there.”
Neighbors say Smith took great care of the yard and the family always seemed happy.
Shaquana says, “They cooked out every night and just kinda hung out, never noisy, never heard an argument, never heard them fussing, just laughing.”
Police say the daughter has received medical treatment and is expected to physically be alright however, you can only imagine what she’s dealing with.
According to neighbors, both her parents were killed by her fiance.
Police say Smith is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If you see him, immediately call 911.
