Charlotte Community Mourns the Loss of Jahlen McDonald, 25, Fatally Shot on Broken Pine Lane
Charlotte, NC — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the early hours of May 31, 2025, as 25-year-old Jahlen McDonald was shot and killed in a residential neighborhood on Broken Pine Lane in Charlotte. The incident has shaken the local community and sparked a homicide investigation that has now led to an arrest.
At approximately 12:00 a.m., officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to multiple reports of gunshots fired in the area. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered McDonald with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The death of Jahlen McDonald, described by friends and family as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man, has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Tributes have poured in on social media, with many expressing disbelief and sorrow over the loss of a life taken far too soon.
In the hours and days following the shooting, detectives worked tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding McDonald’s death. According to CMPD, the investigation received key information from individuals in the community that ultimately helped identify a suspect.
Thomas Cartee, 24, was named as the primary suspect in the homicide. Investigators determined that Cartee had allegedly shot McDonald during an altercation that took place at the residence on Broken Pine Lane. While the exact motive has not been publicly disclosed, officials confirmed that the case involves both murder and robbery charges.
