Teenager Faces Additional Charges in Murder of 4-Year-Old Boy
A 17-year-old suspect has been hit with more charges related to the killing of Caleb Flax, who was shot and killed in his sleep.
A 17-year-old suspect, Ian Garland, has been charged with additional offenses in connection with the murder of 4-year-old Caleb Flax, who was fatally shot while sleeping in his Charlotte, North Carolina, home on September 20.
Garland now faces six counts of possession of a firearm by a minor, five counts of property damage, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, felony conspiracy, and attempted motor vehicle larceny. Previously, Garland and three other teenagers were arrested on charges including murder and conspiracy.
Police stated that seven armed individuals emerged from two stolen vehicles shortly before 3 a.m. and discharged approximately 84 bullets into four occupied homes on Grassy Patch Lane. A bullet struck Caleb Flax in the head as he slept. He was pronounced dead at a local children's hospital several hours later.
According to an affidavit filed in Mecklenburg District Court, the alleged shooters discussed a plan to 'shoot up a house as retaliation' for a separate shooting that occurred the previous day. Investigators believe Garland lived in the vicinity of the September 19 incident. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspects brandishing firearms before firing into the residences and parked vehicles.
Another victim, identified only as 'KC,' sustained serious injuries during the shooting. Police reported that nine adult victims and five juveniles inside the homes at the time of the incident were unharmed.
Law enforcement apprehended Garland on September 30. He appeared in court and was denied bond, with the judge prohibiting him from possessing firearms or contacting co-defendants. The other alleged shooters arrested include Ar'montae Johnson, 16, Jaylen Barber, 16, and Antonio Ladson, 17, all of whom are being charged as adults. A fifth individual, 22-year-old Terrance Jackson, was arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting in the disposal of one of the stolen vehicles.
Investigators recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz, allegedly driven by Garland, the day after the shooting. Location data from the vehicle's infotainment system reportedly corroborated its presence at the scene. Garland was also allegedly identified in surveillance footage from a gas station after the incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with other individuals allegedly involved still at large.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella D. Patterson stated that Caleb Flax "should have been safe in his own bed," and that his life was ended by "an act of unthinkable violence."