CONCORD, N.C. — The Concord Police Department said a man is accused of killing his own mother as paramedics left their house following a medical call early Tuesday morning.
The department said Cabarrus County EMS had responded to a home along Brookstone Drive Northwest near Pitts School Road Northwest for a medical call. However, the crew called for assistance around 12:45 a.m. when they heard gunshots ring out from inside the house.
Police say officers found 24-year-old Ya-Qway Jayshawn Sawyer as he tried to leave the scene. He was detained, and officers found Katrina Renee Smith dead inside a bathroom with several gunshot wounds. Smith was confirmed as Sawyer's mother.
Sawyer is now charged with murder and is being held in the county jail under no bond. Police are now working to determine a motive for the shooting.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is showing the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the severity and nature of the alleged crime.