David Simpson, 29, faces murder and other charges after police said a parking dispute at an east Charlotte apartment complex ended in a fatal shooting on July 29. Investigators allege Simpson shot two men less than two hours after leaving the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $10,000 bond in an unrelated case. One victim died at the scene, while the other suffered serious injuries and required surgery. A judge later ordered Simpson held without bond as questions grew about his release and criminal history.
| 1) | Timeline of the release and shooting |
| 2) | Parking dispute and investigative evidence |
| 3) | Charges and current custody status |
| 4) | Prior conviction and pending cases |
| 5) | Release concerns and upcoming court date |
Timeline of the release and shooting
Jail records show Simpson was released from the Mecklenburg County Jail at 12:20 a.m. after posting a $10,000 bond on an unrelated charge of possessing a weapon while incarcerated. Police said the shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. on July 29, less than two hours after his release, at an apartment complex in east Charlotte, North Carolina.
The timing became central to the case because Simpson was already facing a weapons-related allegation when he was released. Officers responding to the later incident found one man dead and another seriously wounded. The second victim reached an apartment before collapsing and later underwent surgery.
Parking dispute and investigative evidence
Police said the shooting followed a long-running disagreement over a parking space. Officers had been called to the property twice earlier that night after arguments between the victims and residents about where vehicles had been parked.
Investigators reviewing surveillance video said Simpson appeared outside with his girlfriend when the victims’ sport utility vehicle drove past. According to court documents, Simpson then went inside, returned with what detectives described as a weighted black bag, and ran toward the victims. About 10 minutes later, the video captured two gunshots. Roughly 30 seconds afterward, Simpson was seen jogging back toward his apartment while handling the bag before driving away. Officers recovered two spent 7.62-caliber rifle casings.
Charges and current custody status
Simpson is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The allegations relate to the July 29 shooting and remain subject to court proceedings.
A Mecklenburg County judge ordered Simpson held without bond on Friday. Simpson initially refused to leave his jail cell for his first scheduled court appearance, delaying the hearing until the judge ordered him to appear later that afternoon. His girlfriend, Shakema Scott, has also been charged with accessory after the fact.
Prior conviction and pending cases
Court records show Simpson was charged with first-degree murder in a 2013 fatal shooting but pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2015. He served approximately five years in prison and was released on parole in 2020.
Since then, Simpson has been arrested several times, including on multiple charges of possessing a firearm as a felon. Records also show pending cases this year involving firearm possession by a felon, resisting a public officer and misdemeanor larceny. His history has drawn attention because the new allegations came so soon after his release on bond.
Release concerns and upcoming court date
The case has prompted criticism from legal and political figures who questioned why Simpson was not already in custody given his prior conviction and pending charges. Charlotte defense attorney Tim Cannady, who is not involved in the case, said the history raised questions about how Simpson remained free.
“If you look at his history, it seems like this gentleman has picked up just about every year up to this point some kind of a violent crime. So you kind of have to ask the question: Why wasn’t he already in jail?”
Former Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari also criticized what he described as a failure to act against repeat violent offenders. The legal process will determine the facts of the shooting and whether the charges can be proven. Simpson is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 21.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Simpson was released at 12:20 a.m. on a $10,000 bond. |
| 2 | Police said the shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. |
| 3 | One man died and another was seriously injured. |
| 4 | Simpson is being held without bond on multiple charges. |
Summary
The Charlotte shooting case combines allegations of a fatal parking dispute, a release on bond and a defendant with a prior voluntary manslaughter conviction and additional pending cases. Simpson remains in custody without bond, while prosecutors and the court proceed with the murder and related charges. The next scheduled hearing is Aug. 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does David Simpson face?
He faces first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
When was Simpson released before the shooting?
Jail records show he was released at 12:20 a.m. after posting a $10,000 bond on an unrelated weapons charge.
When is Simpson due back in court?
He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 21.
