Sean David Thomas, 25, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was shot and killed on November 10, 2020, in Shelby. According to investigators, Thomas drove to the Pantry on Charles Road around 11 p.m. to meet people who had arranged to buy marijuana. A car with four other young men arrived; both vehicles pulled into the store parking lot and, prosecutors say, the five suspects attempted to rob Thomas. A shootout followed. Thomas drove away but crashed into a wooded area roughly 100 to 150 yards from the lot and was found dead in the driver’s seat.

Police received two 911 calls about 11 p.m. reporting shots fired and a vehicle off the road. Investigators interviewed witnesses and arrested several suspects. Kevin Bernard Walls, 18, and Kevante Dechaun Miller, 19, were charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and held without bond; a 16-year-old was also charged but not named because of age. Warrants were issued for Isaiah Devon Littlejohn and Zantavious Daycon Petty, both 18; both were later charged with murder and attempted robbery.

Thomas had married Keshona Lee on May 30, 2020, and they had a daughter, Queen Antonelle. He graduated from Mallard Creek High School in January 2014, briefly served in the military, and worked as a chef. If anyone knew Thomas, his movements that night, or the people he met at the Pantry, please share information.