CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are working in conjunction with Detectives from the York County Sherriff’s Office on a homicide investigation. Both have identified the victim and suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman who was found in a wooded area.
On October 19, 2017, Deputies with the York County Sherriff’s Office located a deceased female on the side of Dobys Bridge Road in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The South Carolina Coroner completed an autopsy of the victim and determined that she had been pregnant at the time of her death. During their investigation, York County Detectives determined that the victim was killed elsewhere and then her body was dumped on the side of the road at the location where she was found.
On October 20, 2017, CMPD Officers responded to a Missing Person call for service on Via Romano Drive in Charlotte, NC. This was the last known address for the victim, but officers were unable to locate her. During their investigation, the Missing Person Detectives determined that this victim, Natalie Nicholle Merrick, was the deceased female who was located in South Carolina.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and York County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation into this murder. On October 24, 2017, detectives determined that the offense occurred in Charlotte and developed a suspect, Mahmood Amjad Bhatti. The investigation has revealed that Bhatti and the victim were in a long time relationship and had a child together. CMPD Homicide Detectives obtained arrest warrants against Bhatti for Murder and Murder of an Unborn Child. The suspect was arrested without incident shortly after the warrants were issued on October 25, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. After his arrest he was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Jail.
This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.
