Suspect Charged In Brutal Murder Of Charlotte Uber Driver To Spend Life In Prison

August 11, 2021

Justin Pryor,

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James Stevens mug
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Marlo Johnis Medina Chevez
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James Stevens
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Diontray Adams

The Latest:

A man who cut the throat of a Charlotte Uber driver, Marlo Medina-Chevez, during a robbery in 2017 will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to the DA’s Office.

Police say the trial of Diontray Adams, which began July 26th, 2021, ended on Wednesday with the jury giving Adams a guilty verdict.

Diontray Adams

Adams was charged with first degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement, according to a news release.

UPDATE From July 26th, 2018:

James Stevens pleaded guilty in court Thursday to charges of 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Robbery. Stevens is one of two suspects charged in connection to the brutal death of a Charlotte Uber driver, Marlo Medina-Chevez in May 2017.

The other suspect, Diontray Adams, pleaded not guilty last Thursay.

UPDATE From July 19, 2017:

Diontray Adams pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday, July 19th, regarding the murder and kidnapping charges against him and James Stevens for the death of Uber driver Marlo Medina-Chavez in May 2017.

The family of Medina-Chavez expresses deep disappointment toward US government officials who denied granting one of the victim’s daughters a visa to enter the US from Honduras so that she could attend the trial and face her father’s suspected killers in court.

UPDATE From October 12, 2017:

James Stevens, one of two suspects facing murder and kidnapping charges in the death of an Uber driver, will not face the death penalty.

Stevens and Diontray Adams are accused of brutally beating Marlo Medina-Chevez. Officials say Medina-Chevez had to be identified by dental records. Adams will be in court on 11/16/17.

UPDATE From July 12, 2017:

The two men accused in the murder of a Charlotte Uber driver have been extradited to Charlotte from Maryland.

Officials say James Stevens was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail around 5:40pm Wednesday. Diontray Adams was booked around 2pm Tuesday.

Adams faced a judge for the first time in Charlotte Wednesday where he was granted a court appointed attorney. Stevens is scheduled to make his first appearance Thursday.

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{Previous post on June 23, 2017}

UPDATE: Officials say the two suspects charged in the brutal death of a Charlotte Uber driver have waived extradition back to North Carolina.

Diontray Adams and James Stevens both voluntarily waived extradition Friday during a court appearance in Maryland, according to officials. There is no word yet on exactly when the two men will arrive back in Charlotte.

Adams and Stevens both have arrest warrants issued against them in Mecklenburg County.

Adams is charged with First Degree Murder, First Degree Kidnapping, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Financial Card Theft. Stevens is charged with First Degree Murder, First Degree Kidnapping, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

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{Previous post on May 26, 2017}

UPDATE: A spokesman for Medina-Chevez’s family said Friday that his body was found beaten and tied up, and had to be identified using dental records.

CMPD says the Medical Examiner confirmed the results Friday afternoon.

The family is in the process of making funeral arrangements, and a memorial service for friends and family only has been scheduled for Monday at 3 pm.

CMPD says detectives are in Maryland now interviewing the suspects, James Stevens and Diontray Adams. Officials say the extradition process has begun, but there is still no timetable on when they will return to Mecklenburg County.

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UPDATE: Officials have issued additional warrants on James Stevens and Diontray Adams in connection to Marlo Medina-Chevez’s murder.

According to police, both Adams and Stevens will face additional charges once they are extradited. Those charges include Murder, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and First Degree Kidnapping.

The two men are still in Maryland’s custody on charges of Financial Card Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. No timetable has been given on extradition.

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ROCK HILL, SC — Officials say the body of Marlo Medina-Chevez was found in a wooded area off of Mount Gallant Road Thursday afternoon.

During a news conference Thursday evening, CMPD said they had information which led them to an area near Norwood Ridge Drive. Multiple agencies including Rock Hill Police, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI assisted in the search.

CMPD says the body was not buried when a YCSO K9 found him, but could not give any other specifics. Officials also said it was too early to comment on a cause of death.

Officials say the family was notified after race and clothing led them to believe the body was that of Mr. Medina-Chevez.

Friends of the Medina family have created a FreeFunder account to help raise money for Marlo’s family. To get more information and to donate, click here.

Two suspects, Diontray Adams and James Stevens, were arrested in Maryland Monday after Annapolis Police spotted them in Medina-Chevez’s stolen vehicle.

Adams has been charged with financial credit card fraud and outstanding warrants out of Maryland. Stevens has been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.