Staff report
KANNAPOLIS ó Police have charged a 15-year-old with murdering a man whose body was found lying in the middle of Central Drive on Tuesday night.
The teenager accused of shooting 33-year-old Jason Michael Sides was also charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Another 15-year-old was charged with separate offenses after police say the two teenagers committed criminal acts together elsewhere in Kannapolis.
Sides bought beer and cigarettes at the E-Z Stop Convenience Store near the corner of Central Drive and Wright Avenue around 9:15 p.m.
He left the store and walked toward his house at 704 Evelyn Ave., less than half a mile from the store. He never made it.
At 9:21 p.m., the 911 communications center got a call saying a man was lying in the street in the 2000 block of Central Drive and appeared to have been shot.
Officers found Sides with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Emergency medical responders tried to save Sidesí life, but could not.
Police said Thursday they identified the two teenagers as suspects based on witness statements and other information obtained during the investigation.
Police gave few details about the suspects Thursday because they are minors. Under state law, the 15-year-old charged with murder will be treated as an adult if probable cause is found to prosecute, and his identity will be released.
Authorities said the shooting suspect has also been charged with three counts of felony breaking and entering and three counts of felony larceny.
The second teenager has been charged with two counts of felony breaking and entering and two counts of felony larceny. Police said those charges are related to separate offenses both teenagers are suspected of committing elsewhere.
Sides had lived in the neighborhood around 10 years and frequently walked to the E-Z stop, where a manager called him a ěquiet person.î
His sister, Melissa, called Sides ěa good father, son and brother.î
She said Sides had a son just a year younger than his accused killer.
Kannapolis Police continue their investigation and ask anyone with additional information about shooting or other offenses to call the department at 704-920-4000 or Cabarrus County Crime Stoppers at 704-932-7463.