Woman Charged with Attempted Murder After Choking and Robbing Elderly Man in East Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — A 36-year-old woman is facing attempted murder and robbery charges after police say she followed an elderly man home from a grocery store, forced her way into his apartment, and violently assaulted him. The suspect, identified as Kayla Bessette, was arrested near the scene shortly after the attack.

The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, May 30, 2026. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the 79-year-old victim had been shopping at a Food Lion on Murdock Road in East Charlotte. Affidavits state that Bessette spotted the victim and followed him to his nearby apartment complex. When the victim opened his door, Bessette allegedly pushed her way inside, strangled him to the point of serious injury, and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers responding to the call located Bessette at a nearby bus stop and took her into custody. According to court documents, when questioned by detectives, Bessette did not deny the attack and reportedly smiled with satisfaction when discussing the attempt on the elderly man's life. The victim was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries but is expected to survive.

Following her arrest, Bessette's legal troubles escalated significantly. Investigators in neighboring Lincoln County charged her in connection with the death of Tony Maddox, a Lincolnton man who had recently been reported missing. In Mecklenburg County, Bessette is currently held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail on charges of attempted first-degree murder, common law robbery, assault by strangulation, breaking and entering, and assault inflicting serious injury.

Community advocates have expressed deep concern over the predatory nature of the crime. "Targeting a vulnerable senior citizen at his own doorstep is deeply disturbing," said a CMPD representative. Police advise residents, particularly the elderly, to remain alert when returning from shopping trips and to report any suspicious individuals following them to their homes.