Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Independence Division
Published on June 07, 2024
Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, June 7, 2024) – The victim in this case has been identified as Kevin Merlos-Saravia, 23. The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
As a result of the continued investigation, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified a suspect in connection to the murder of Mr. Merlos-Saravia and obtained an arrest warrant for 1st Degree Murder.
On Monday, June 3, 2024, Jose Francisco Ulloa-Martinez, 42, was arrested in Houston, Texas by the Houston Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Detectives with the CMPD’s Homicide Unit traveled to Houston and interviewed Mr. Ulloa-Martinez. Mr. Ulloa-Martinez is currently awaiting extradition back to Mecklenburg County.
The arrest of Mr. Ulloa-Martinez is the result of the coordinated effort of the CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), along with the assistance of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office (SC), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Unit, Houston Police Department (TX) and Houston Police Department’s Gang Unit (TX).
Mr. Merlos-Saravia’s next of kin has been notified of the arrest.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Lewis is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240526-0503-02.
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Homicide Investigation in the Independence Division
Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, May 26, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 6100 block of Winged Elm Court in the Independence Division.
On Sunday, May 26, shortly after 5:00 a.m., officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call for service in the 6100 block of Winged Elm Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers pronounced the victim deceased on scene.
Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene to conduct an investigation, and Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, CMPD’s Child Development- Community Policing, Victim Services, CFD and Medic also assisted.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Lewis is the lead detective assigned to this case. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 202405260503-02.
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