CMPD: 16-Year-Old Charged In Shooting Death Of 21-Year-Old Man At NW Charlotte Shopping Center

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CMPD arrested a 16-year-old for the shooting death of a 21-year-old man  at a busy shopping complex.

CMPD found 21-year-old Paul Tate shot to death at Rozzelle Crossing shopping center in the 2900 block of Mount Holly-Huntersville Road Wednesday afternoon.   Witnesses heard the gunshots and called 911.

Family and friends say Tate was an outstanding basketball player for West Mecklenburg High School.  He graduated in 2020.  Friends say he was planning to play ball at Livingstone College in Salisbury.

Livingstone College released the following statement:

A senseless act of gun violence has prematurely taken the life of a student – a freshman – who was in the beginning of his educational pursuits at Livingstone College. Faculty and staff who knew him well described him as a joy to be around. “I understand he was recently adopted into the kingdom of God by the confessing of his faith and would often quote Scriptures,” said Livingstone President Dr. Anthony J. Davis. “I pray this brings solace to his family, friends, and all who knew him during this time of bereavement. Unfortunately, this is a sober reminder that life is fleeting, but earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”

CMPD says a 16-year-old turned himself into law enforcement Wednesday.  The juvenile is charged with murder.