FROM STAFF REPORTS

A man who was classified as a “person of interest” in a fatal shooting of a woman on February 19 in southern Iredell County has been charged with murder following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Charlotte resident Arthur Lee Givens V, 30, in connection with the death of his wife, Lailani Nicole Givens, in a news release Monday afternoon.

On Saturday, February 26, ICSO personnel received information on the whereabouts of Arthur Givens, who was a person of interest in the homicide investigation, Campbell said. The suspect also had outstanding arrest warrants for unrelated charges.

As ICSO Homicide Team investigators were responding to the location, they forwarded Arthur Givens’ location to U.S. Marshals, who were assisting with the search for Givens.

The suspect was located in Oaklawn Cemetery in Charlotte and taken into custody without incident, according to the news release.

Arthur Givens was transported to Iredell County by members of the ICSO Warrant Squad. After investigators interviewed Givens, additional evidence was gathered in the homicide investigation, Campbell said.

On Monday, February 28, ICSO Detective Lieutenant Donald Clodfelter obtained a warrant charging Arthur Givens with murder.

The homicide occurred on February 19. Patrol deputies who responded to 480 Rocky River Road near Mooresville on that date located Lailani Givens in a vehicle near the residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Homicide Team and Crime Scene Investigators gathered items of evidence at the scene. After canvassing the area, investigators developed information that led them to identify Arthur Givens as a person of interest in the case, Campbell said.

“I want to extend our sympathy and support to the victim’s family and hope this arrest will allow them have some closure,” Campbell said. “I also want to express our thanks for the assistance provided in this investigation by the United States Marshal’s Office and their taskforce members, as well as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

“Our Investigators have worked around the clock on this investigation since they received the call last week,” the sheriff added. “The citizens of Iredell County should be proud of the hard work and dedication which these investigators have put in on this case.”