Man Shot and Killed Outside Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte: Second Homicide at Club in Less Than a Year
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A night of revelry turned deadly early Sunday morning when a man was gunned down in the parking lot of Coyote Joe’s, a popular nightclub located on Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte. Authorities have identified the victim as Jason Neal, 41, who was shot multiple times following a violent altercation that erupted shortly after 1 a.m. on October 19, 2025.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the incident began as a dispute among a group of individuals who had reportedly been heavily drinking inside and outside the venue. The argument escalated into a physical fight in the parking lot, where at least one suspect produced a firearm and opened fire, striking Neal multiple times.
Neal was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by medics who arrived shortly after the shooting. Police responded quickly and taped off the area as a crime scene, launching a homicide investigation in the early morning hours.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspects involved in the shooting fled the scene before police arrived. Authorities have not yet released any descriptions of the shooters or potential getaway vehicles. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the club and nearby businesses in hopes of identifying the individuals responsible.
This tragic killing marks the second deadly shooting at Coyote Joe’s in less than a year, raising concerns about ongoing violence at the venue. In December 2024, Lucas Armstrong, 28, was also fatally shot during a separate incident at the club. That shooting led to calls for increased security measures, including improved lighting and a greater police presence in the area during peak hours.
Despite those efforts, this latest homicide has reignited public outcry and renewed scrutiny of the club’s safety protocols.
“This is not just a tragic loss of life—it’s a public safety issue that demands urgent attention,” said a community advocate who works with at-risk youth in the area. “Two people have died violently outside the same venue in under a year. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a crisis.”
CMPD officials confirmed that detectives from the department’s Homicide Unit are actively investigating Sunday’s shooting and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or has information about the suspects to come forward.
“We are urging anyone who was present or has knowledge of this incident to contact police,” a CMPD spokesperson said. “Every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help us bring justice to the victim’s family.”
The shooting took place during a busy weekend for Charlotte nightlife, and several patrons from the club were still in the area when shots were fired. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people fleeing the scene in panic.
Coyote Joe’s, a country-western-themed nightclub, has been a fixture in the Charlotte entertainment scene for years, drawing large crowds on weekends for live music, dancing, and special events. However, its reputation has been marred by recent violence, prompting some city leaders to call for a review of the club’s operating license and its security policies.
“We need to take a serious look at what’s happening here,” said a city council member representing the district. “If a business cannot ensure the safety of its patrons, then we have to consider every option to protect our community.”
At the time of publication, Coyote Joe’s management has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
As the investigation continues, the family of Jason Neal is left grieving the loss of a loved one taken far too soon. Friends and family described Neal as a kind-hearted man who enjoyed music and spending time with his children. “He didn’t deserve to die like this,” said a cousin. “We just want answers, and we want whoever did this to be held accountable.”
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