Massaquoi Kotay, 45, was a business owner in Charlotte, NC. He owned a small store on North Tryon Street, he was murdered during a robbery. Shalome Scott, 28, was found guilty on May 29, 2023 of murdering Massaquoi.

Mr. Kotay was a Liberian immigrant who owned a convenience Store on North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC. He was working in the store in January 2017 when Shalome Scott and Desmond Black walked into the store together at 2 p.m.
Shalome was armed with a gun, then shot Mr. Kotay and fled the store. Mr. Kotay died as he ran to a neighboring store for help. Desmond Black previously pled guilty in connection with the crime.
Shalome was sentenced to life in prison in May 2023 at his court trial, after a jury found him guilty of murder and a firearm offense.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Homicide Team tried Shalome for first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The jury found him guilty as charged.
Judge Osman then sentenced Shalome to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Mr. Kotay was very popular in the Liberian community.



