Charlotte Family Sues Police After Son’s Shooting Death

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Community gathering advocating for mental health awareness

News Summary

The family of Sanrico McGill has filed a lawsuit against Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police following his fatal shooting during a mental health crisis. They allege officers failed to handle the situation appropriately despite prior encounters regarding Sanrico’s mental health. The incident raises serious concerns about police responses to mental health emergencies and calls for urgent reform in how such cases are managed.

Charlotte Family Sues Police After Tragic Shooting

In the heart of Charlotte, the family of Sanrico McGill has taken a bold step in seeking justice following a tragic incident that saw their beloved son lose his life. On March 26, 2025, Demetrics McGill—Sanrico’s mother—filed a lawsuit against several police officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and the City of Charlotte, highlighted by a series of events that left many asking important questions about how police handle mental health crises.

The Background

Sanrico McGill was tragically shot and killed on December 16, 2023, at an apartment complex on Catherine Simmons Avenue. What makes this even more heartbreaking is that the family claims Sanrico had previously reached out for help due to his history of mental illness. Just a day before the incident, Demetrics McGill had contacted the police, hoping to obtain involuntary commitment paperwork for her son. This was a desperate plea for help, aimed at ensuring Sanrico received the support he needed.

A Chaotic Turn

The following day, after hearing gunshots nearby, Demetrics once again called the CMPD while anxiously awaiting officers to assist in the situation. Surprisingly, the lawsuit contends that none of the officers on the scene appeared to be familiar with Sanrico, despite prior encounters related to earlier involuntary commitment orders. This raises an eyebrow about how the police handle their cases, especially when mental health is at play.

Witnesses from the incident reported seeing a man with a gun inside the apartment, but the lawsuit challenges this claim, insisting that Sanrico did not actually possess a firearm. Amidst the chaos, officers ordered everyone to exit the apartment with their hands raised. Luckily, Demetrics and another brother complied, attempting to calm the situation. But as tensions heightened, it became apparent that the response from law enforcement was anything but calm.

Escalation and Tragedy

Sanrico’s brother, Cordaro, stepped outside to reason with him, but reports suggested that Sanrico was in an “extremely agitated state,” indicating that he was possibly experiencing a manic episode and in dire need of help. At a critical moment, Sanrico was alleged to be holding something that looked like a gun and reportedly raised it toward his brother. This moment of confusion tragically culminated in officers firing 25 shots, with only two striking Sanrico, resulting in his death from a chest wound, per an autopsy report.

The Aftermath

Following the shooting, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney decided not to bring any charges against the officers involved, adding salt to the wound for the McGill family. The lawsuit asserts that the officers failed in their duty of care to Sanrico, claiming they acted with gross negligence in their use of deadly force and inflicted severe emotional distress on the family.

The McGills expected a compassionate and understanding response when they called for help regarding Sanrico’s mental health crisis. Instead, they felt the police response was excessive, lacking the necessary de-escalation techniques needed in such a sensitive situation.

Reflections on Duty

As the community grapples with this challenging incident, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief acknowledged the difficult circumstances in which officers often find themselves and expressed gratitude for the minor injuries sustained by those involved in the shooting. The entire affair leaves many with lingering questions about how we support individuals with mental health challenges and how police can better equip themselves for such crises.

The McGill family’s legal action highlights the pressing need for reform in how police interact with those experiencing mental health crises, sparking a larger conversation within the community about safety and support.