CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer who shot and killed a woman in north Charlotte won’t face any charges.
District Attorney Andrew Murray says his office concluded that Officer Anthony Holzhauer did not act unlawfully with his use of deadly force in the face of what he reasonably perceived to be an attack from a knife-wielding subject. Β
Janisha Fonville, 20, was killed inside her home after police responded to a domestic disturbance call in February. Β
Detectives say Fonville was holding a knife when officers went inside the home on Bellefonte Drive to speak with her. Β Officers say they immediately ordered Fonville to drop the weapon. Β
Police say she refused their commands and lunged at the officers. Β Officer Holzhauer discharged his service weapon, striking Fonville. Β She was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Β
This is not the first time Officer Holzhauer was involved in a deadly shooting. Β Police say he shot and killed an alleged robbery suspect after the two were involved in a scuffle in 2012. Β
Detectives say that suspect, Michael Laney, reached for a gun during the struggle so Holzhauer discharged his service weapon, killing Laney. Β
In 2013, Holzhauer was in a shootout with several suspects on North Tryon Street. Β However, no one was injured during that shooting.
