Four Teens Arrested in Shooting Death of 4-Year-Old Caleb Flax
Charlotte police charge four teenagers in the killing of a 4-year-old boy who was shot and killed while sleeping in his home.
A 4-year-old North Carolina boy, Caleb Flax, was shot and killed while sleeping in his Charlotte home on September 20. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced Thursday that four teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, which they described as an “act of unthinkable violence.”
According to court documents obtained by WBTV, seven armed suspects were traveling in two stolen vehicles, a Mercedes and an Infiniti, when they stopped in Flax's neighborhood. The group allegedly fired a total of 84 shots into Flax's home and three other properties.
Flax was pronounced dead at a local hospital four hours after the shooting. Kaley Collins, an adult, was critically injured during the rampage.
Investigators linked the shooting to Ar’montae Johnson, 16, after his iPhone was found connected to the stolen Mercedes. Johnson reportedly told police that several individuals intended to shoot at windows as retaliation for another shooting. He admitted to handing over the car keys, knowing the others had guns.
Antonio Ladson, 17, was arrested after police found a Glock 27 containing ammunition similar to casings recovered at the scene. Jaylen Barber, 16, and Johnson also allegedly identified Ian Garland, 17, as the driver of the stolen Mercedes. Garland was arrested on September 30.
The four teens have been charged with multiple offenses, including shooting into an occupied dwelling, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Terrance Jackson, 22, is the only adult charged so far with accessory after the fact. He is accused of helping Johnson reprogram a key for the stolen Infiniti before selling the car for $1,200 to a buyer in South Carolina. The Infiniti was later found in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson affirmed a commitment to bringing all responsible parties to justice.
Caleb Flax was remembered by his family as a “force” whose smile “could light up a room.” Hundreds of mourners attended a vigil for the boy. A fundraiser has also been created for his mother, Bryanna Flax, who friends described as facing an “unimaginable traumatic process” after the loss of her only child.