CHARLOTTE, NC — The Charlotte community is once again confronting the devastating loss of 3-year-old Asiah Figueroa, whose life was tragically taken during a drive-by shooting in 2021. On November 12, 2025, 25-year-old Jacob Lanier pleaded guilty to her murder, bringing a measure of closure to a case that has shaken residents and reignited calls for stronger action against gun violence.
The horrific shooting, which was captured on surveillance video, showed gunfire erupting outside a home on Richard Rozzelle Drive. Bullets tore through the house as Asiah slept, fatally striking the young child and injuring others. The video has since resurfaced online, serving as a haunting reminder of the senselessness and brutality of the crime.
During court proceedings, Lanier admitted his role in the attack, acknowledging the consequences of his actions and the pain inflicted on Asiah’s family and the broader community. Prosecutors described the shooting as deliberate and reckless, emphasizing the lasting trauma it caused.
“Asiah was only three years old — full of life, laughter, and promise,” prosecutors said. “Her death was a tragedy that should have never happened.”
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department credited the video evidence, along with witness testimony, for helping investigators piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting and ultimately secure Lanier’s guilty plea.
Since the tragic night, the Figueroa family has been at the heart of community efforts to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence on children and families. Candlelight vigils, balloon releases, and memorials have been held in Asiah’s honor, with loved ones and neighbors calling for peace and unity in the wake of their loss.
Local leaders and advocates say the case underscores the urgent need for community intervention programs and more comprehensive approaches to addressing youth and gang-related violence. “We can’t allow another family to go through what the Figueroas have endured,” one community organizer said.
Asiah’s family expressed both heartbreak and a sense of closure following Lanier’s plea. While nothing can bring their little girl back, they hope that justice will serve as a message of accountability — and that Asiah’s memory will inspire continued efforts to protect children from violence.
“Asiah’s smile and spirit will never be forgotten,” a family member said. “Her life was short, but her light continues to shine in every heart she touched.”