Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN)- A man has been arrested in Florida and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the double homicide of two men in northwest Charlotte on Thursday. Community members confirmed to our WNN team that at least one of the victims who was murdered was the owner/operator (Anil) of the Bojangles restaurant in Cherryville, NC (owned by Vishnu Properties, Inc)
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department identified the victims as Anilkumar Patel, 54, and Pankaj Patel. Per sources, a contractor working on a motel argued with Pankaj. After leaving the scene, the contractor returned and shot Pankaj seven times, while Anil, who had just arrived to help Pankaj with a business deal, was shot twice. The incident occurred near the site of the former Lamplighter Inn on Eddleman Road around 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 2nd.
The CMPD Homicide Unit responded to the scene after reports of a shooting. While initial reports indicated that the two victims were rushed to a local hospital, CMPD confirmed shortly after 3:30 p.m. that both men had died from their injuries. The department has not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the homicides or the exact motive for the shooting.
The investigation led authorities to identify and follow the suspect who had fled the state. Alvaro Luis Ozuna Sierra, 38, was taken into custody in connection with the shooting early Friday morning, October 3rd, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department reported that officers were notified that a suspect in the Charlotte double homicide was in the area. Ozuna Sierra was located driving a black Nissan Altima and was taken into custody following a felony traffic stop. A cellphone and ammunition found in the vehicle were collected as evidence.
Ozuna Sierra is being held without bond at the St. Lucie County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder, pending extradition proceedings back to North Carolina to face charges. CMPD Homicide Detectives are traveling to Florida to continue their investigation and interview the suspect.
The Cherryville Bojangles location was closed on Friday, October 3rd. A note was posted on the front door of the establishment. Letting the public know it was temporarily closed.
The restaurant will remain open as a part of Anilkumar Patel's legacy, which he left behind. Manager Kathy Kelley will operate the restaurant, which is scheduled to be back open Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at 6 AM.
A sign at the Cherryville, NC, Bojangles letting customers know the restaurant is closed. October 3rd, 2025
Rusty Wise (WNN)
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