Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the North Tryon Division

Published on June 12, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, June 12, 2023) – As a result of the continued investigation, detectives with the CMPD’s Homicide Unit have identified and arrested two suspects in connection to this case.

On Friday, June 2, 2023, Erik Espino-Perez (DOB: 11/03/2002) and William Espino-Perez (DOB: 01/04/1998), were arrested upon attempting to re-enter the United States. Both suspects fled to Mexico following the murder of Juan Santiago-Flores. The arrests are the result of a coordinated effort of the CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The following warrants were obtained for the arrests of both suspects:

Murder
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling
Attempted Murder

The victim’s next of kin has been notified of the arrests.

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 Buhr 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: 20230515-0100-01.

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Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, May 17, 2023) – The victim in this case has been identified as Juan Santiago-Flores (DOB: 06/10/1998). The victim’s family has been notified of his death.

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Charlotte, N.C. - (Monday, May 15, 2023) - Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit are conducting a homicide investigation near the 2100 block of Milton Road in the North Tryon Division.

On Monday, May 15, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., North Tryon Division officers responded to investigate shots fired in the area of the 2100 block of Milton Road. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim with apparent gunshot wounds. Medic responded to the scene and transported the victim to Atrium Health Main where he was pronounced deceased.

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, Victim Services, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office Homicide Prosecution Team, MEDIC, and the Charlotte Fire Department also assisted.

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