North Carolina man shot Ethiopian girlfriend

By Ely Portillo | Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A man accused of murdering his girlfriend Saturday turned himself in to authorities Monday night, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Investigators say Davon Londell Thomas, 27, shot his girlfriend, 23-year-old Tigist Yemane, a native of Ethiopia, shortly before 5 AM Saturday morning at his parents’ home on Willowglen Trail near Reedy Creek Park.

They say he then fled into woods near the house.

A murder warrant was issued for his arrest, but on Saturday Thomas eluded search dogs, a helicopter and dozens of officers combing the surrounding area for him.

Police warned the public that he had military training from serving in the Army National Guard and should be considered armed and dangerous.

But on Monday he surrendered at CMPD headquarters uptown.

Court records show Thomas pleaded guilty in 2008 to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

His sentence was suspended and he was given probation until 2011.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to resisting a public officer and was given probation and ordered to perform community service.

He was also forbidden to possess any firearms.