GASTONIA, N.C. – September 15, 2021 – Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department continue to investigate the homicide of Nivia Danner, age 14, of Gastonia, that occurred yesterday afternoon outside a business in the 300 block of N. Chester Street. Investigators have identified the suspect in this homicide as 19-year-old Santonio Azanier Eskridge. Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Eskridge charging him with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by felon.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, September 14), at approximately 1:18 p.m., Central District officers responded to a business in the 300 block of N. Chester Street for a reported medical emergency.
Upon arrival, first responders located Danner outside and in the parking lot of the business and quickly determined that she was suffering from a gunshot wound. Danner was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Danner had arrived at the business in a vehicle that Eskridge was driving. While the vehicle was parked in front of the business, and for reasons still under investigation, Eskridge shot Danner. After the shooting occurred, Eskridge and the vehicle that he was traveling in, fled the scene. Later that evening, detectives located Danner’s vehicle abandoned in a neighboring county.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Santonio Azanier Eskridge is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Gastonia Police Department’s non-emergency number at 704-866-6702. Residents may also call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
Santonio Azanier Eskridge
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Media Contact:
Rick Goodale
Public Information Specialist
City of Gastonia
(980) 522-0100 RickG@cityofgastonia.com