On Friday morning (Jan. 20th) at about 08:00 AM, Gaston County Police responded to 1001 Peggy Drive in Bessemer City after being told that someone at that location had suffered a cardiac arrest. Once on scene, officers encountered circumstances indicating a homicide had occurred.

The victim was identified as Matthew James Watkins, 21, of 308 Lowry Lane, Cherryville.

Through their investigation, the Gaston County Police Criminal Investigations Unit determined that Chavis Samuel Davis, 21, of 9825 University City Boulevard Apt. 3213 in Charlotte was the person responsible for the homicide. After conferring with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, Davis was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder. He is currently under a hold at the Gaston County Jail awaiting his first appearance in court on Monday (Jan. 23rd).

Officers located a large amount of narcotics and a firearm at the residence. Henry O’Neil Gonzalez, also 21, who lived there, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, & Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Selling a Controlled Substance. He is currently jailed under a $50,000 secured bond at the Gaston County Jail.

Police have asked that anyone with further information related to this case contact Det. S. Brogden at 704-866-3320 or Gaston County CrimeStoppers at 704-861-8000.