Homicide Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on August 09, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, August 9, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation in the 1600 block of Sharon Road West in the Steele Creek Division.

On Friday, June 21, 2024, shortly before 6:30 p.m., the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD), MEDIC and Steele Creek Division officers responded to a structure fire in the 1600 block of Sharon Road West.  Members of the CFD located a female victim on scene in need of medical treatment.  MEDIC transported the victim to Atrium Health Main for treatment.

Upon further investigation, members of the CFD’s Fire Investigation Task Force along with CMPD Arson detectives determined the fire was intentionally set.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the victim, Lorna Joy Roth, 82, succumbed to her injuries.  Ms. Roth’s next of kin has been notified of her death.

Upon consultation with the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ms. Roth’s death has been associated to injuries sustained in the fire and this case has now been ruled a homicide.

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 detective. Detective Haulsee 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: 20240621-1825-02.

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