CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte father was killed by a stray bullet that entered his apartment during a shootout in the parking lot of a Steele Creek apartment complex early Saturday morning, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said.
CMPD was called to a reported shooting in the area of Hillgrove Lane near Steele Creek Road around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. When officers arrived, they found 48-year-old Jimmy Freiberg dead inside an apartment. They also discovered several shell casings in the parking lot.
CMPD said a large shootout had taken place in the parking lot between two groups of people, unrelated to Freiberg.
A woman who lives in the complex said her daughter was awoken by the sound of gunshots.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she saw two individuals crouching in between cars.
"We saw a car circle around and just kept spraying, shooting at the two individuals," the woman said. "There were gunshot shells everywhere. I couldn't move my kind because it was taped off for the investigation or whatever. It's just really sad because I recently just moved here."
Freiberg's wife said her husband died while protecting their daughter from the gunshots.
Charlotte City Councilman Larken Egleston (D, District 1) knew Freiberg from working in the hospitality industry.
Councilman Egleston said Freiberg's DJ skills made him the soundtrack to many memorable nights.
"Just this incredible spirit. Just an incredible friend," Egleston said. "Someone who was excited to see everybody and anybody and made you feel special."
Freiberg also worked as a real estate agent and as a manager of AAA Collectibles, a sports memorabilia shop.
He's survived by his wife, their five-year-old daughter, and a son from a previous marriage.
"He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a great friend and beloved husband and father," the GoFundMe read. "Jimmy's world revolved around his wife, Vanessa, and his two kids, Matt and Charley."
So far, no arrests have been made. CMPD said detectives believe the suspect could be driving a dark gray or black Dodge Charger or Challenger with extensive front-end damage, including a damaged right front headlight and potentially several bullet holes. The car was last seen on Highway 160 in the area of I-485.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, or 704-432-TIPS to speak directly with homicide detectives.
Memorial services for Freiberg will be held on Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12 at the McEwen Funeral Home, which is located at 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210.
A viewing will be held Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., while a second viewing will be held Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m.
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