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Man charged after shooting victim dies three days later, Charlotte police say

Clifford Leon Smith Jr. is now accused of murder after investigators say the man he shot died in the hospital.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man is now charged with a Charlotte man's death three days after police say shots rang out in the Steele Creek area.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers were called to Green Ivy Lane near Fernhill Drive around 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. When they arrived, 30-year-old Desmond Balogun was found suffering from a gunshot wound that dealt life-threatening injuries to him. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment as the investigation continued.

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Eventually, investigators said they arrested 51-year-old Clifford Leon Smith Jr. and charged him for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. He was booked into the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.

However, CMPD said Balogun succumbed to his injuries early in the evening on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The original charge against Smith Jr. will be upgraded to murder and will be served to him at the jail. Officers say Balogun's immediate family members have been notified of his passing along with Smith Jr.'s arrest.

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Balogun's mother, Elizabeth, reached out to WCNC Charlotte in April 2024 to share more about him. She described Balogun as "the sweetest and kindest human being", who made her proud and always pushed himself to accomplish whatever he set his heart to do.

"Everything reminds me of him," she said. "I think of him every day and every minute. I miss him so much."

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with more information can call 704-432-TIPS to talk directly with a CMPD detective. Additionally, Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips online or via phone at 704-334-1600.

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 wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.  

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