Local
Caleb Flax’s family remembers ‘loving’ 4-year-old as Charlotte shooting investigation continues
Six people have been arrested in the September shooting that killed 4-year-old Caleb Flax, but police are still seeking other suspects. His family says the gunfire has changed life on Grassy Patch Lane and wants to know why homes were targeted.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of Caleb Flax says the arrests in the shooting that killed the 4-year-old are a first step, but they still want answers about why gunfire was unleashed on their neighborhood.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say seven teenagers fired 84 rounds at homes and cars on Grassy Patch Lane in September, in retaliation for an earlier shooting. The barrage lasted less than a minute. Caleb was shot while sleeping inside his home.
As of Thursday, Oct. 8, six people had been arrested and charged in connection with the case: five teenagers, who are being charged as adults, and a 22-year-old. Police were still looking for additional suspects. The most recent person arrested, 18-year-old Dominic Springs, appeared before a judge Thursday and was denied bond.
Caleb’s grandfather, Frank Abdullah Hampton, said the family is facing better and worse days while holding on to memories of a boy who loved Sonic games and playing with others.
“He just loved everybody,” Hampton said. “Everyone he come in contact with, they love Caleb.”
The shooting has also changed daily life in the neighborhood, Hampton said. Children who once played outside are now less visible, he said, recalling kids running in the street, playing football and riding electric bikes.
Hampton said he was shocked by the ages of those arrested and argued that the accused should remain behind bars. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are entitled to due process.
He also said he wants those who fired the shots to explain why they brought such firepower to a residential area around 3 a.m. “Homes don’t shoot back,” Hampton said.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.