CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A 21-year-old murder suspect who was caught on camera being attacked by the victim’s father inside the Mecklenburg County courthouse has had all charges officially dropped against him.
According to new court documents, the State of North Carolina filed dismissal notices in the case against Marion McKnight, who had been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder.
‘He did what he had to do’: Grieving father attacks son’s accused killer inside Mecklenburg courthouse
All charges were dismissed on Thursday after prosecutors determined they would not be able to disprove a claim of self-defense. This week’s decision follows a detailed review of surveillance video, witness statements, and digital evidence presented in court.
Neighborhood shooting ends in teen’s death
According to court documents, the murder and attempted murder charges stemmed from a May 23, 2025, shooting on Stroud Park Court. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to a dozen 911 calls reporting “extreme gunfire,” with multiple people shot and a house targeted.
CMPD officers found three victims: 16-year-old Jamariyae Dixon, who later died from a gunshot wound to the head; 22-year-old Nazyr Perry, who was shot multiple times and left paralyzed; and 23-year-old Dru’Aviyon Patterson, who suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle.
“A military strategy.”
Investigators said the shooting followed a series of confrontations tied to a group with documented gang activity. According to court records, video showed McKnight walking toward his home when he was followed, confronted, and eventually surrounded by multiple people…