Charlotte Man Charged With First Degree Murder
Baron Deshawn Crawford remains in custody after an apartment stabbing left 38-year-old John Joseph Perry dead.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Violence
Police have charged 31-year-old Baron Deshawn Crawford with first degree murder following a fatal stabbing in Charlotte. The victim, 38-year-old John Joseph Perry, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Charlotte Fire Department.
Why it matters
The arrest follows a violent incident at a local apartment complex that has left the community shaken. Authorities moved quickly to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody, preventing further escalation of the situation.
Baron Deshawn Crawford is currently held without bond at the local jail. Authorities filed formal first degree murder charges against the 31-year-old suspect following the incident.
The players
Baron Deshawn Crawford
The 31-year-old suspect is facing a first degree murder charge for the incident.
John Joseph Perry
The 38-year-old victim was found deceased at the Zora University apartments.
Charlotte Fire Department
First responders from this agency pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
The details
Officers discovered the victim at the Zora University apartments after responding to a neighbor's 911 call regarding a stabbing. Medical personnel confirmed John Joseph Perry succumbed to multiple stab wounds before he could be transported to a hospital.
Timeline
The stabbing occurred at 7:15 p.m. on September 26, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial protocols set forth in the 2026 North Carolina state penal code regarding first-degree murder statutes. The legal system utilizes these established frameworks to ensure consistent prosecution of violent felonies across the jurisdiction.
Residents living near the 4900 block of Round Pond Road may notice continued police presence as the investigation remains ongoing. This incident has led to formal safety processing for the apartment community while the legal case proceeds through the courts.
The takeaway
Incidents of this nature underscore the importance of immediate reporting when witnessing potential danger in residential areas. Neighbors who hear suspicious activity are encouraged to contact emergency services as soon as it is safe to do so.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety trends on the Violence page.
