A North Carolina man with a history of violent offenses is accused of shooting two men, killing one, approximately two hours after being released from jail on bond. David Simpson, 29, faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the July 29 incident.
A Mecklenburg County judge ordered Simpson held without bond on Friday. He had been released from the Mecklenburg County Jail at 12:20 a.m. after posting a $10,000 bond on an unrelated charge of possession of a weapon by a prisoner. The shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. at an east Charlotte apartment complex.
Investigators stated the shooting followed a dispute over a parking space. Police had been called to the apartment complex twice earlier that night due to arguments related to parking.
Surveillance video cited in charging documents appears to show Simpson with his girlfriend before the victims' SUV drove past. Detectives allege Simpson then went inside, returned with a black bag, and ran toward the victims. Two rifle casings were recovered at the scene. One victim died at the scene, while the second victim was hospitalized after surgery.
Mugshot of David Simpson, a man with spiky hair and a goatee, wearing an orange jumpsuit.
Court records indicate Simpson has a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter from a 2015 plea deal, following a first-degree murder charge in 2013. He served about five years before being released on parole in 2020. Since his release, he has been arrested multiple times, including on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, resisting an officer, and misdemeanor larceny.
Legal analysts and former city officials have questioned why Simpson was not in custody given his criminal history. Simpson refused to appear for his initial court hearing on Friday, which was delayed until he was ordered to appear later that afternoon.
Simpson's girlfriend, Shakema Scott, has been charged with accessory after the fact. Simpson is scheduled to return to court on August 21.