Marlo Medina-Chevez. (Charlotte police)
Police in Charlotte, North Carolina say they have likely recovered the body of Marlo Medina-Chevez, an Uber driver who vanished after his shift.
First, police found the SUV of Medina-Chevez and arrested two men inside it. Now, they say they’ve likely found his body in Rock Hill, an area of South Carolina.
The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner, who still needs to make a positive identification of the body. However, it appears to be a sad ending to the search for the 44-year-old married father from Charlotte.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Medina-Chevez Disappeared After Leaving to Pick Up a Passenger
Medina’s SUV. (Charlotte police)
The last time Medina-Chevez was seen alive? When he left home on Saturday night, May 20, to complete his shift as an Uber driver.
He was reported missing the next day when he didn’t return home. Charlotte, North Carolina police released the above photo of his SUV in an effort to drum up leads.
Charlotte police said in a previous statement that the department was searching for 44-year-old Marlo Johnis Medina-Chevez, “an Uber driving who has not been seen since Saturday.”
Maj. Cam Selvey said in the statements that detectives believed Mr. Medina-Chavez was in “grave danger.”
His vehicle was described as a dark blue Nissan Pathfinder. Selvey said in the statement that Medina-Chavez had not contacted his family since he left for work on Saturday, which was considered very unusual. “Homicide detectives have taken over the case because of the length of time that has passed since the disappearance. Selvey said Uber has been cooperating with police,” the statement said.
2. Medina-Chevez’ Credit Card Was Used in Maryland
Marlo Medina-Chevez. (Charlotte Police)
There were immediate clues that Medina-Chevez had met with foul play.
His credit card was used in Maryland, reported Fox 8.
In a statement, Charlotte police said that Homicide Unit Detectives determined that a credit card belonging to Marlo Johnis Medina-Chevez was used in Maryland. “The Financial Crimes Unit joined the investigation and assisted with investigating the fraudulent use of the Mr. Medina-Chavez’s credit card,” police said.
On Monday, May 22, 2017, homicide detectives drove to Maryland to continue their investigation. “At approximately 11:50 p.m., CMPD detectives were notified by the Maryland State Police Department that they received a license plate reader hit and located the dark blue 2008 Nissan Pathfinder near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge,” said police. “The Maryland Transportation Authority Police then stopped the vehicle and detained four occupants inside the vehicle. Two of the occupants were later released and not charged.”
According to police, Diontray Adams and James Stevens “were subsequently transported to a local police station where they are currently being interviewed by CMPD homicide detectives.”
Detectives charged Adams with Financial Credit Card Fraud and outstanding Maryland warrants, and Stevens was charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, police said, adding, “This investigation is still active and ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.”
3. Police Confirmed They Found a Body Believed to be Medina-Chevez
Police sources say Medina-Chevez car has been found in another state. Two suspects arrested, charges unknown, still no sign of victim
On Thursday, May 25, came the sad news. Charlotte police said they’d found a body, and they think it’s Medina-Chevez.
“Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit have located a deceased male in Rock Hill, South Carolina,” said a police statement.
“Earlier this afternoon members of CMPD’s Homicide and Logistics Units, Crime Scene Search, along with members of the FBI, Rock Hill Police Department, and York County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search off of Mount Gallant Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina,” police wrote in a statement on May 25. “Late this afternoon a York County Sheriff K-9 located a deceased male, who is believed to be Medina-Chevez. The victim’s family has been notified of this latest update.”
It wasn’t clear what led authorities to the location.
“Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Dollar is the lead detective assigned to the case. The public can also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or visit the Crime Stoppers mobile app website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/,” police said.
4. Medina-Chevez Drove an Uber as a Second Job to Afford a Vacation for His Family
From all of us at FOX46 Charlotte, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Marlo Medina-Chevez. t.co/PvjbJD12b6
Chevez’ thoughts were for his family.
According to The Charlotte-Observer, Medina-Chevez “took on that second job in hope of making extra money for a big family vacation with his wife and kids.”
He was a native of Honduras, the newspaper reported. His wife had asked him not to go the night he died, according to the newspaper, but he insisted he needed to pick up a passenger. He also worked at a window and door company.
5. Friends Circulated Fliers in an Attempt to Find Medina-Chevez
#BREAKING: CMPD says body found in Rock Hill is believed to be missing Charlotte Uber driver t.co/neRrzGBDuS
Friends and family gave interviews and circulated fliers in the hopes that Medina-Chevez would turn up alive.
Elsa Medina, Medina-Chevez’s wife, “fought back tears as she pleaded for him to call and come home” before his body was found, according to WSOC-TV.
“She just wants him home,” Deborah Medina, the couple’s daughter, told the television station. “She doesn’t want to go another night without him or knowing where he is.”
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