Authorities announced the arrest of a man accused of violent crimes. Tyson Corpening allegedly shot a park ranger and threw a rock with a hate-speech message into a daycare.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) blame the same man for both incidents occurring within about one week in the area near Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, north of downtown Charlotte.
Alleged Perpetrator Is a Convicted Felon
According to CMPD, Corpening is a convicted felon with charges going back to the early 2000s. Prior convictions include larceny and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He has also faced criminal charges in Florida.
His latest charges include the following:
- On Nov. 27, 2022, a park ranger was shot in the leg while closing Friendship Sportsplex shortly after 7:30 p.m. Corpening’s charges related to that incident include attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- On Dec. 5, 2022, a rock containing a hate-speech message was thrown into the Marizetta Kerry Child Development Center at about 8:40 a.m. The message included a threat to “kill children in the next 24 hours.” Corpening faces two counts of ethnic intimidation, property damage, and the threat of mass violence on educational property.
Corpening was arrested on Dec. 5. CMPD is working with the Charlotte FBI field office on the case.
Severe Penalties for Felony Convictions
Anyone with charges similar to Corpening levied against them is facing years behind bars:
- A first-degree attempted murder can mean life in prison with the possibility of being paroled.
- The assault with a deadly weapon charge is a Class C felony, with penalties ranging from 44 to 182 months in prison.
- A felon in possession of a firearm is a Class G felony and tacks on an additional 8 to 31 months.
- Communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property is a Class H felony. Sentences range from 4 to 25 months behind bars.
- Ethnic intimidation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Property damage can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the cost of the damage.
Any one of these charges can mean more than incarceration. In addition to hefty fines, ancillary impacts include damage to your reputation, difficulty finding employment or housing, denial of acceptance into college, and termination of the right to own a firearm (felony).
Don’t Face the Criminal Justice System Alone
It is important to remember that anyone accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. To have charges dropped or reduced or to prove innocence in a trial, a skilled attorney is a must.
The criminal justice system is complex. Without accomplished legal guidance, you may unknowingly forfeit rights or damage your case. At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for every client.
We provide the highest level of service possible. When you call our office, you will speak with an attorney and not be handed off to an office manager or paralegal. Every client is given the personal attention they deserve.
If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, contact us right away. We will immediately begin to strategize your defense and work to minimize any potential repercussions. Reach us online or call (704) 931-5535.