Fatal Crash Investigation in the Westover Division

Published on December 26, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, December 26, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Westover Division.

On Friday, December 22, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Westover Division officers responded to the intersection of S. Tryon St. and Bowman Rd. in reference to an assist MEDIC call for service. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive female, Ericka Laronda Jones (DOB 04/21/1989). MEDIC pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

Detectives with the CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, the DWI Task Force, the Motor Unit and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Jones was either walking on S. Tryon St. or crossing S. Tryon St. when an Infiniti G37 Sport driven by an unknown subject collided with her. The driver failed to stop and render aid to Ms. Jones or call for first responders.

The occupant(s) of the Infiniti left Ms. Jones on the side of the road and fled the scene. Officers located the vehicle a few blocks from where Ms. Jones was left. Ms. Jones’ next of kin has been notified of her death.

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, Major Crash Investigation Unit detectives gathered information and were able to locate the driver, Matthew Sean Rowley (DOB 04/23/1996), of the 2009 Red Infiniti G37 Sport that was involved in the collision. Mr. Rowley was arrested and charged for Felony Hit and Run Causing Death and Reckless Driving.

Following an interview with detectives at the CMPD Law Enforcement Center, Mr. Rowley was released to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

This is an ongoing, active investigation.  As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.  Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective D. Leung at (704) 432-2169 Ext# 6 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.   The report number for this case is 20231222-2230-05.

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