Suspect in rape and murder case in northwest Charlotte to appear in court on Tuesday

CHARLOTTE, NC — Raphael Wright, the man accused of raping and killing a woman in northwest Charlotte in June, is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

WCNC Charlotte has obtained new court documents that reveal more details about what investigators say happened the night of the crime.

Wright says he found the victim on an escort website and went to a hotel to meet her. Wright claimed while they were together, he was attacked by someone who hid in the bathroom and tried to take his money. Wright claimed his attacker pointed a gun at him. He fired back, ultimately hitting the victim.

Download the WCNC Charlotte app for the latest news, weather and traffic alerts.

When the woman was taken to the hospital, she told police that Wright had raped her. She died a short time later.

Wright was arrested just days after the Rock Hill incident. He was released the next day on $50,000 bail. This decision was criticized by numerous politicians, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.

“Disappointment is not nearly the best word to describe how I feel about the decision to set bail so low for a suspect charged with such serious violent crimes,” Jenning said in a statement. “I have always maintained that there is no bail amount sufficient to ensure that a community does not have to worry about its safety.”

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear from your loved one

If your loved one was affected by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our “More Than a Number” initiative. With your help, we want to tell our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina who your loved one was. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to [email protected].

Note: WCNC adopted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or publication of mug shots.

WCNC will only broadcast or publish a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in some other cases. Exceptions include: When it appears the person may pose a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to distinguish between people who share a common name; when the photos might encourage more victims to come forward. Newsroom management may also decide to use a mugshot depending on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and the subsequent criminal proceedings.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations against him, WCNC Charlotte is showing the suspect’s mugshot in this case.