Inside: Looking ahead to high school baseball season • Page 5A
201 8
Turn to page 1B Friday, March 2, 2018 • Vol. 13 • No. 9
MURDER GOES VIRAL Wingate man fatally shot on Facebook Live, suspect in custody by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
WINGATE – A murder suspect is in custody after allegedly gunning down a man who was streaming on Facebook Live. Prentis Robinson, 55, was Colson fatally shot Feb. 26 while walking on Jerome Street, less than a quarter mile from the police station. According to Wingate Police Lt. Saverio Montecalvo, Robinson had just stopped by the station to report a stolen cellphone and a few minutes later, he was dead. The suspect, 65-year-old Douglas Col-
“
It can be difficult, but it’s a new aspect that we’re dealing with in investigations.”
• Wingate Police Lt. Saverio Montecalvo on working a case in the social media age
son, turned himself in Feb. 27 to the Union County Sheriff's Office. Montecalvo said officers are unsure what prompted him to do so. He is being charged with first-degree murder. In the footage, which Facebook has since removed, Robinson can be seen walking down the street with a cellphone attached to a selfie stick. He spots someone moving toward him and says repeatedly, “You on
Live,” right before the person fires four gunshots and flees the area. Robinson falls to the ground holding his phone, which continues recording the sky for several more minutes until a passerby stops to help. Montecalvo said the shooter did not take anything from Robinson and police do not believe it was a random attack. “We do know that they knew each other, but we’re not sure of the extent of their rela-
tionship,” he said. The Feb. 26 incident sent nearby Wingate University and Wingate Elementary into lockdown after receiving reports of an active shooter. The college tweeted at 8:50 a.m. that possible shots were fired near CM Black dorm and instructed students to remain sheltered in place. Citing Wingate Police, the university also tweeted the suspect was a black man armed with a long gun, wearing a blue and black windbreaker and brown Timberland boots. Montecalvo confirmed no shots were fired on campus. “That was a big misunderstanding,” he said.
Learning the game of golf Keistler resigns
Bank exec replacing him on council
Golf courses across the region are offering the PGA Jr. League program, which provides expert coaching with fun team-building experiences. Flip to Page 1B for the story. Photo courtesy of PGA of America
County celebrates completion of Human Services Center MONROE – Union County officials celebrated Feb. 23 the completion of the new Human Services Center. The 144,000 square-foot center houses the Division of Social Services, Division of Public Health and Human Services Administra-
tion at the intersection of Skyway Drive and Concord Avenue. Public Health and Human Services will open to serve the public March 6. Social Services follows March 13. “We’ve always had a top-notch staff, but
our former location had its limitations,” said Michelle Lancaster, assistant county manager and executive director of human services. “We now have a first-class facility for our see CENTER, Page 5A
INDIAN TRAIL – Monty Keistler resigned from the Indian Trail Town Council, citing personal reasons. “It has been my honor to serve the residents of Indian Trail,” Keistler said in a statement released by Keistler the town. “I know that we will all continue to work together for the good of the town. It has been a pleasure to serve with such a fine group of people.” The council appointed Marcus McIntyre to fill the post. McIntyre works as a senior financial analyst for Bank of America. He’s served as president of the Porter Ridge Athletic Association and Poplin Elementary School PTA. He wants to keep taxes low, improve infrastructure and build relations with the sheriff’s office. His term ends in December 2019. Keistler is the third person to resign from the council in the past year. Amy Stanton left in March 2017, while Mark Wireman left in July 2017. Their departures created two unexpired terms on the November 2017 election ballot. Shirley Howe and Keistler won those seats.
New charter school locating in Forest Hill Church
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 unioncountyweekly.com
INDEX Crime................................................................................ 4A Classifieds..............................................................4B Calendar....................................................................5B Dining Scores................................................. 6B Sports.............................................................................. 5A Puzzles.........................................................................2B
WAXHAW – The Apprentice Academy High School of North Carolina has found a home in Waxhaw for the 2018 school year. The charter school, focused on career and technical training, will be located in Forest Hill Church at 8120 Kensington Drive, with classes beginning in August for ninth- and 10th-graders. Apprentice Academy provides an opportunity for students who want to graduate high school with the workforce-ready skills needed for in-demand, high-paying careers. Students in ninth through 12th grades will
Spring Forward into Fitness!
thout Last chance toinjoining wi e. fe paying a jo
receive core and general education alongside vocational training in an area of their choosing. Potential career pathways include skilled trades in construction and automotive, service industries such as cosmetology and culinary arts, as well as computer science and information technology. “We want to provide a different pathway for students outside of a traditional fouryear college,” said Barry Ross, the principal of see SCHOOL, Page 5A
Apprentice Academy High School is enrolling students for next year. Photo courtesy of AAHS
• Over 90 Aerobic Classes/Week • 14,000 sq. ft. Fitness Room • Free Weights • Cardio Equipment - Over 110 Pcs. • Weight Machines • Senior Yoga and Water Aerobics • Swim Lessons • Racquetball
• Indoor Pool & 2.5 Acre Water Park • Indoor Run/Walk Track • Novant RNs On-Site • Health Screenings • Nutrition/Exercise Coaching • Double Gymnasium • 1/2 Mile Outdoor Walking Course
Spend Spring Break with Us! EXPIRES MARCH 31ST!
Located off Hwy 74 across the street from Lowe’s on Hanover Dr. in Monroe
704-282-4680