A drug deal gone wrong at a Bojangles restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, has led to the arrest of 27-year-old Cedric Cotten. He has been charged with the murder of 25-year-old Demarcus Gerald, following a violent altercation that ended in gunfire.
According to court documents obtained by The NC Beat, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to a call about an assault with a deadly weapon on December 7. The caller reported hearing gunshots approximately an hour earlier and later discovered Demarcus bleeding from a gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Details of the Incident
Deontae Beasley, a surviving victim and witness, told investigators that he and Demarcus had arranged to purchase Percocet pills from a man known as “CJ.” Beasley shared photos of “CJ” with detectives, as stated in an arrest affidavit.
Upon arriving at the Bojangles parking lot at 1401 West Trade Street, “CJ” and another individual entered the backseat of Beasley’s car. During the drug transaction, a third man approached the vehicle and knocked on the driver’s side window.
Beasley reported that “CJ” claimed not to recognize the man. Shortly afterward, the second individual in the car exited briefly to interact with a black four-door Porsche Panamera before returning.
Robbery and Fatal Shooting
According to the affidavit, the second man then pulled out a firearm and demanded $500 from Beasley and two ounces of drugs from Demarcus. He fled back to the Porsche after the robbery. Demarcus exited the vehicle, pulled a gun, and fired at the suspects. In response, the robber fired six shots at Demarcus, fatally wounding him.
Beasley recounted that he searched for Demarcus but was unable to locate him. Upon checking his car, he noticed that Demarcus‘ Louis Vuitton backpack and a Neiman Marcus shopping bag containing clothing had also been stolen.
Arrest and Charges
Detectives identified “CJ” as Cedric Cotten through police databases and Instagram photos. He was arrested on Friday, December 13, and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, and murder.
The investigation remains ongoing, as authorities work to identify additional suspects involved in the case.
