CHARLOTTE, NC – A Charlotte man is facing murder and robbery charges after authorities say he fatally stabbed another man and stole his car and personal belongings in a violent attack Thursday afternoon.
Authorities allege Adam Mercado, 34, approached 68-year-old Gerald Barnes in the parking lot of a building located on the 1100 block of Central Avenue. Surveillance footage, outlined in court documents, captured the moments leading up to the deadly encounter.
According to investigators, Mercado arrived at the scene around 2 p.m., wearing a blue shirt and orange gloves and driving a brown Hyundai Sonata. After engaging Barnes in conversation, Mercado reportedly attempted to draw the older man’s attention to something inside his backpack.
As Barnes glanced inside, Mercado allegedly stabbed him in the neck and demanded his car keys. Investigators say the situation quickly escalated, with Mercado inflicting several more stab wounds as Barnes fell to the ground. Reports indicate that the attacker searched Barnes’ pockets before fleeing the scene with his wallet.
The suspect then allegedly transferred items from the Hyundai Sonata into Barnes’ Honda Fit before leaving the area in the victim’s vehicle. Responding officers found Barnes suffering from multiple stab wounds; he later died from his injuries.
Detectives immediately began searching for the stolen vehicle and commenced a broader investigation into Mercado’s whereabouts. In the wake of the attack, authorities reviewed additional surveillance footage and witness statements.
The following day, police in Monroe, about 28 miles southeast of Charlotte, were called to perform a welfare check at a residence on Nelda Drive. Inside, officers discovered 52-year-old Matthew Moody and 49-year-old James Wallace, both dead under suspicious circumstances.
Subsequent investigations led officials to connect Mercado to the Monroe deaths as well. Mecklenburg County court records show Mercado has now been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
The rapid succession of violent incidents has unsettled both Charlotte and Monroe communities, prompting an increased law enforcement presence and further inquiries into Mercado’s activities prior to his arrest.
Officials have not released information regarding potential motives behind the attacks or how the victims may have known Mercado, if at all.
Mercado remains in custody as the investigation continues. Police urge anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to piece together the sequence of events leading to the deaths.