Tragic Outcome for Charlotte Man in Armed Robbery Case
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a case that has rocked the local community, 29-year-old Christopher Chisholm was convicted of killing a man during a botched armed robbery back in December 2019. Just recently, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office announced the grim details surrounding the case, which captivated many in the area.
The Incident
It all started one fateful night, when Chisholm and an accomplice attempted to break into vehicles at the busy Ayrsley Town Center, a popular shopping area in Charlotte. On the night of December 22, Chisholm’s actions set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to tragedy. The duo targeted the truck belonging to 56-year-old Robert Hopkins, who had just left a company holiday party.
As Hopkins approached his vehicle, he spotted Chisholm sitting in the driver’s seat of his own car. It was a tense moment, and in a misguided effort to protect his property, the victim placed himself in front of Chisholm’s vehicle, hoping to prevent a getaway. Sadly, instead of yielding, Chisholm made the dreadful decision to accelerate, running over Hopkins before speeding away into the night.
The Aftermath
For two long days, authorities searched for Chisholm, who was eventually apprehended after a dramatic high-speed chase. When police caught up with him, he was still driving the same vehicle used in the horrific incident. During the investigation, officers discovered stolen property inside his car. Even more damning, lab tests confirmed that blood found on the undercarriage of his vehicle matched that of the victim, Hopkins.
Justice Served
After a brief yet intense trial, a jury found Chisholm guilty on multiple charges including first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts of possession of a stolen firearm, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and being a habitual felon. Facing serious consequences, Chisholm was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge, without any chance of parole. In addition, he received consecutive sentences totaling over 13 years for the other crimes.
A Community in Mourning
This tragic event has left many in the community grieving and looking for ways to honor Robert Hopkins, who was a loved one, friend, and colleague. In light of this heartbreaking incident, a local initiative called “More Than A Number” has been launched. The goal of the program is to offer emotional support to families who have experienced similar loss. It aims to share the stories and memories of those impacted, ensuring that they are remembered not just as numbers in a crime report.
What’s Next?
As Charlotte continues to process this tragic event, community members are banding together to advocate for safer practices and support systems that help reduce crime. There’s a renewed focus on community involvement and awareness, prompting discussions about how citizens can come together to prevent such incidents in the future.
While the court has done its part to deliver justice, the emotional scars left behind will take much longer to heal. The conversation around crime and safety is more necessary than ever, as residents of Charlotte work to ensure that such devastating events are less likely to occur.
In the face of adversity, communities often showcase their strength, and Charlotte is no exception. As we remember the victim, let us also hope for a future where safety comes first, and where tragedy like this becomes a thing of the past.
