Suspect in Shanquella Robinson’s death named in letter + CLT airport runways reopen after fuel leak

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

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On to your news for today.

1. Suspect in Shanquella Robinson’s death named in letter sent to White House

Several dozen activists and the family of Shaquella Robinson marched from Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church to a nearby Charlotte post office on North McDowell Street to send 1,000 letters in pink envelopes to Mexican officials, demanding justice on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.
Several dozen activists and the family of Shaquella Robinson marched from Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church to a nearby Charlotte post office on North McDowell Street to send 1,000 letters in pink envelopes to Mexican officials, demanding justice on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

A 26-year-old woman from North Carolina is wanted by police in Cabo, Mexico, according to lawyers who are imploring U.S. officials to act on a pending extradition request.

The police there are investigating the killing of Shanquella Robinson. At a recent press conference and in a letter dated March 13 to President Joe Biden and diplomatic leaders, attorneys Ben Crump and Sue-Ann Robinson said Daejhanae Jackson is wanted by Mexican authorities.

A copy of the letter was shared with The Charlotte Observer today by a representative with the law firm.

Robinson, from Charlotte, died Oct. 29, under suspicious circumstances while on vacation with six acquaintances. She was 25.

Kallie Cox and Anna Douglas share more from the letter.

2. A new name and new look is on the way for Latta Arcade in uptown Charlotte

An exterior rendering of The Alley showcases a blend of historic and modern design elements.
An exterior rendering of The Alley showcases a blend of historic and modern design elements.

A transformation is taking place uptown at the art deco landmark Latta Arcade.

Late this year, it’s set to become the elevated street eats destination called The Alley at Latta Arcade.

Latta Arcade is a place of history and appreciation in Charlotte and we look forward to building upon that storied reputation,” said Sam Ankin, founder and managing principal for Northpond Partners.

Heidi Finley runs down a list of the new tenants and more.

3. LoSo, Plaza Midwood may get social districts this summer pending city council approval

A sticker marks a social district drink at Crank Arm Brewing Company on Monday, August 15, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C.
A sticker marks a social district drink at Crank Arm Brewing Company on Monday, August 15, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C.

Social districts may soon be coming to two popular Charlotte neighborhoods.

The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association and Gilde Brewery in Charlotte have submitted applications to become social districts, city staff told the Charlotte City Council yesterday. The council is expected to hold a public hearing about the first two proposed social districts in April and take action in May.

Gilde Brewery is located in LoSo, or Lower South End, off South Tryon Street and the Plaza Midwood neighborhood is located east of uptown Charlotte.

Genna Contino details the proposed social districts.

4. CLT runways reopen after fuel leak, plane emergency landing in Charlotte

A plane takes off from Charlotte Douglas International Airport during one of the busiest days for holiday travel on Friday, December 23, 2022.
A plane takes off from Charlotte Douglas International Airport during one of the busiest days for holiday travel on Friday, December 23, 2022.

There were several delays this morning at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

A Delta flight leaked fuel during takeoff resulting in an emergency landing and delays at CLT as two runways were shutdown for cleanup. All runways were re-opened after about one hour just after 10:30 a.m., according to airport officials.

As of noon Tuesday, 143 flights were delayed, including 87 departures and 56 incoming, according to FlightAware.com.

Kallie Cox and Joe Marusak have more on the morning delays at CLT.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.