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Two teens charged with Charlotte murder appear in court
Updated 09/18/2012 04:28 PM
By: Becky Bereiter

CHARLOTTE -- Five teens were arrested Tuesday in connection to the drive-by shooting and murder of Kydaryuni Curry, 17, Sunday afternoon in eastern Mecklenburg County.

Police say that Jeremy Elijah Pate, 19, Dedric Lorenzo McKenzie, 16, Sheldon Gregory, 17, Samuel Jerome Walker Jr., 18, and Bruck Birega Fekadu, 16, believed they had been disrespected by the victim in the presence of a girl.

Police said then on Sunday, the suspects confronted the victim and physically assaulted and shot him. Police do not believe the victim and the suspects knew each other.

On Tuesday afternoon, both Pate and Fekadu stood emotionless before the judge to learn what was next for them.

The parents involved in this ordeal are processing things a bit differently.

Pate was appointed a lawyer and a bond hearing. Fukadu was appointed a lawyer and is being held on $1 million bond.

His father Birega Fukadu said he was sorry for the victim's families and that those responsible have to pay a price.

Less than 48 hours after losing her only son, Benita Turner said she's at peace.

"I'm OK, I have my moments, but that's to be expected, but I'm OK," said Turner, Curry's mother. "It doesn't give me any joy knowing. All around it's just unfortunate."

It's not clear who the shooter was, as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police refused to comment on the details. The remaining three suspects are due in court Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (704) 432-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.




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