After beating and strangling his uncle to death, a 19-year-old instructed family members to “come outside,” according to authorities

Christian Heredia Caraballo, 19, faces murder charges for the October 18, 2025, death of his uncle, Ernesto Caraballo Toledo, 50, in east Charlotte on the 1300 block of Wembley Drive. Around 2 a.m., Caraballo allegedly beat and strangled Toledo in the backyard using a broken rock paver, leaving the victim with head trauma, blood drops, handprints, and overturned furniture inside and out. Family members inside heard Caraballo summon them outside, where he had unexplained cuts on his hands and ear injury.​​

Evidence and Autopsy

Autopsy confirmed head trauma and strangulation, with Caraballo’s DNA matching swabs from the paver, under Toledo’s fingernails, and a bite mark on the victim’s arm. Caraballo claimed he found Toledo dead alone after five minutes outside and could not explain the blood or damage, contradicting family statements. Police arrested him on December 2, 2025.​​

Detention Status

Caraballo remains in Mecklenburg County Detention Center without bond, with a court date set for December 23, 2025. Motive for the confrontation has not been disclosed.

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