Suspect In Murder Near Providence Country Club Dead: CMPD

CHARLOTTE, NC — The suspect believed to be behind the murders of a 51-year-old south Charlotte man and a 15-year-old overnight guest in his home has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said Monday.

According to police, John James Bocek, 23, forced his way into a home in the 11400 block of Glenn Abbey Way before dawn Sunday morning, and fatally shot Matthew Allen Chaplin, 51, and Jenna Elizabeth Hewitt, 15, who was an overnight guest.

At the time of the shooting, Bocek was wanted on warrants for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a crime involving a 16-year-old who lived in the home near Province Country Club in south Charlotte.

The 16-year-old girl, who knew Bocek, ran to a neighbor’s house for help after her father and friend were shot, police said, who added she was not harmed in the incident.

Police said they had been unable to locate Bocek to serve the outstanding robbery and assault warrants. “In the earlier incident, Bocek was accused of physically assaulting the 16-year-old and then taking her telephone,” CMPD said.

Immediately after the shooting, police said they located a third person — know known to be Bocek — with serious injuries from a gunshot wound and that they did not believe there were any additional suspects involved. Bocek was transported by medic to an area hospital, and was pronounced dead Feb. 24.

The homicide involves the community of Ardrey Kell High School, WSOC reported.

“You may see media reports about an event off campus that involved members of our school community and lef to trafic loss of life,” David Switzer, the school’s principal, said in a message to parents notifying them that the school would have counselors at the school this week, the station reported. “Please make sure to pay close attention to your students, watch for changes in behaviors and let them know help is available.”

CMPD asks that anyone with information about this incident call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a homicide detective, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.