South Carolina man arrested for murder in South Charlotte: CMPD

Crime scene of Rea Road death investigation; Queen City News

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Eric Watson, 41, has been charged with murder in connection with a homicide in south Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

On Wednesday, July 17, Watson was arrested in South Carolina by SLED, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team.

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According to police, he was charged with murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the July 8 shooting that killed 36-year-old Derrick Byas.

This was the first incident in a violent 24-hour series of murders in Charlotte that has left five people dead in four separate homicide investigations. Watson is the third person arrested in the string of violent crimes on July 8 and 9.

CMPD says this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Buhr at 704-432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.