Tragedy on West Sugar Creek: Mother and Her Baby Found Dead at Baymont by Wyndham Motel

Tragedy on West Sugar Creek: Mother and Her Baby Found Dead at Baymont by Wyndham Motel

CHARLOTTE, NC — In a heartbreaking and deeply troubling incident, a mother and her young child were found dead earlier this week at the Baymont by Wyndham Motel located on West Sugar Creek Road. The victims have been identified as 32-year-old Shannon Solomon and her 1-year-old son, Elijah Solomon. Authorities confirmed that both were discovered deceased in a room at the motel under tragic and distressing circumstances, sparking a wave of grief and outrage throughout the local community.

Emergency services were called to the scene late Monday evening after motel staff conducted a welfare check on the occupants of the room. When no one answered the door for an extended period, staff entered and discovered the lifeless bodies of Shannon and Elijah. Emergency responders confirmed both were deceased at the scene.

Early indications suggest the deaths may have involved a mental health crisis, although the official cause of death has yet to be released pending autopsy reports. Friends and family of Shannon Solomon say she had been struggling with severe mental health issues for several years and had recently become increasingly isolated and withdrawn. Many who knew her have described her as a devoted but overwhelmed mother trying to navigate life without sufficient support or resources.

“She loved Elijah with all her heart,” said a family member. “But she was crying out for help for a long time. She slipped through the cracks, and now she and her baby are gone.”

The Baymont Motel where the tragedy occurred sits along West Sugar Creek Road—a corridor that residents and community advocates have long criticized for its deteriorating conditions, chronic crime, and lack of social infrastructure. Over the years, the area has gained an unfortunate reputation for being unsafe and neglected, often referred to by some locals as a “dump” due to its high concentration of low-income motels, frequent drug activity, and lack of meaningful community investment.

Community activist Theresa Jones expressed anger and frustration over the circumstances, stating, “This didn’t have to happen. West Sugar Creek is a reflection of systemic failure. We’ve been asking for mental health outreach, affordable housing, and safe shelter alternatives for women and children. We’ve been ignored.”

Shannon and her son had reportedly been staying at the motel temporarily, possibly seeking stability after facing housing insecurity. Without a permanent home, and with minimal access to adequate mental health resources, Shannon’s situation mirrored that of many struggling families across the country.

Local leaders are now calling for urgent reforms in the wake of the tragedy. Advocates are pushing for increased funding for mental health services, crisis intervention teams, and safe housing options for vulnerable women and children. A vigil is being organized in memory of Shannon and Elijah, aiming not only to mourn their loss but to shine a spotlight on the broader crisis affecting countless others in similar situations.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department expressed condolences to the family and assured the public that a full investigation is underway. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of Ms. Solomon and her child during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to understanding what happened and working with community partners to prevent future tragedies.”

As the investigation continues, the lives of Shannon Solomon and her baby boy Elijah serve as a tragic reminder of the human cost when mental health and poverty intersect without a safety net. Their deaths have shaken the community to its core—and for many, it is a wake-up call that the conditions along West Sugar Creek must no longer be ignored.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is free and confidential, 24/7.