Help needed finding Charlotte murder suspect after electronic monitoring device removed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are asking folks to keep an eye out for a murder suspect.

Willie James Jr. was out on bond while waiting for a murder trial, according to police. His court-ordered electronic monitoring device from 2018 was removed early Tuesday morning.

His jury selection was supposed to start Tuesday. He was supposed to be there. With him on the run, he was a no-show.

Tuesday night, Mecklenburg County’s District Attorney said that his pre-trial motions started Monday. He was due in court Tuesday.

“First off, you’ve got a man who is alleged to commit a murder and a robbery is now out running around who knows where, possibly could victimize somebody else as well,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police President Daniel Redford said.

Police believe James shot and killed Matthew Gibbons in 2018. Police said he’d had the monitor since 2018 and are quick to add that murder suspects stopped being given ankle bracelets in 2019.

The charge of murder, obviously, is just too violent to let those accused of the crime out on pre-trial monitoring. Even so, Redford said cut-and-runs happen relatively often.

“This is all too common,” Redford said. “This is another day in Charlotte. This is nothing new, it’s not surprising.”

[Previous coverage: Man charged with murder in northwest Charlotte shooting]

James was last seen around 3601 Brookshire Boulevard, by the Roadway Inn.

The D.A. said after his no show Tuesday, the judge revoked his bond.

He is wanted for first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, firearm by felon, interfering with an electronic monitoring device, and injury to property.

Anyone with information should call the Electronic Monitoring Unit at 704-432-8888 option 3, call 911, or visit charlottecrimestoppers.com.

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