Customers remember woman randomly shot, killed at Charlotte bank
Ina Lang, 50, a dedicated Bank of America employee and mother of five, was killed in a shooting at a northwest Charlotte bank Friday morning, and Sam’on Smith, 22, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Lang was a wife, mother of five children and a hard-working woman. Her husband of eight years told Channel 9 that she had worked for Bank of America for almost 20 years. He has no idea why he was killed, but thinks he may have been out for a smoke break behind the branch when he was attacked. Police said the incident appeared to be a random act of violence
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A memorial is growing near the scene on Callabridge Court as long-time patrons try to cope with his death.
Stacie Stevenson told Channel 9’s Jonathan Lowe she has been a customer of the branch for more than 20 years.
“When I first met her, she was a teller, then she moved into the office,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson said Lang always shows customers that he cares.
“He would talk to you, your family, his own family, and also help you, especially with technology, phone related things; give me your phone, let me see it, and help me,” he said.
Lang’s family is devastated by this tragedy. Her husband, who did not want to speak on camera, told Channel 9 he wanted answers as to why this happened.
Lang’s loved ones started a campaign fundraiser To help pay for funeral expenses and support their children.
Investigation
The bank’s security cameras recorded the murder.
According to court documents, the video shows the suspect getting out of a yellow Dodge Charger with black racing stripes, walking directly toward Lang, shooting him twice in the back, then getting back into the car and leaving.
Police interviewed three witnesses who reported hearing two gunshots and then seeing someone get into a yellow Dodge Charger and leave the scene. They also saw Lang on the ground.
Smith was quickly tracked down at his parents’ home, where he lived.
Smith’s criminal history
George Wise is the suspect’s uncle.
“My sister told me the police had surrounded the house and needed me there,” Wise said.
Smith doesn’t have many criminal records in North Carolina. He was given two tickets: one for traffic and the other for carrying a concealed weapon. In neither case was he arrested.
“He was never the type of guy who would wander around the streets or make love outside,” Wise said. “He’s just a good guy, you know?”
A Bank of America Spokesperson sent us the following statement:
We are deeply saddened to lose one of our Bank of America teammates. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.
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