A 21-year-old man has been charged after authorities say he fatally shot one of his uncles and attempted to kill another during a shooting at a Cornelius apartment complex.
According to the Cornelius Police Department, Johnquise Patterson faces multiple felony charges following the incident that occurred Saturday along Meridian Street.
Investigators charged Patterson with:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
- 10 counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling
- Possession of a stolen firearm
Shooting
Police said Patterson is accused of killing his uncle, Johnny Johnson, during the shooting.
According to investigators, Patterson later told officers that he also intended to kill a second uncle. Authorities said the second shooting did not occur because the firearm allegedly jammed.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been released, and investigators have not disclosed a possible motive.
Occupants
Court documents indicate there were 11 other people inside the apartment when the shooting happened.
Those individuals included seven children.
No additional injuries among the other occupants have been reported by authorities.
Charges
In addition to the homicide and attempted murder charges, Patterson is accused of firing into an occupied residence, resulting in 10 separate counts related to the occupied dwelling.
He also faces a charge of possessing a stolen firearm.
Custody
Patterson was arrested by Cornelius police and remains in custody at the Mecklenburg County jail.
According to authorities, he is being held without bond as the case moves through the court system.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Cornelius Police Department.
FAQs
Who was charged in the Cornelius shooting?
Police charged 21-year-old Johnquise Patterson.
Who was killed in the shooting?
Authorities identified the victim as Johnny Johnson.
Where did the shooting happen?
It occurred at an apartment complex on Meridian Street.
How many people were inside the home?
Court documents list 11 people, including seven children.
Is the suspect being held in jail?
Yes, he is being held without bond.
