East Charlotte Pair Charged After Disturbing Incident Involving Children

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Disturbing claims have emerged regarding an East Charlotte couple living on Mahogany Drive. Neighbors reported to 911 that 34-year-old Gabriel Santos Funes and 33-year-old Maria Valladares were engaging in what was described as “black magic rituals.” The 911 call voiced concerns about children residing in the home as the couple was said to be burning items, screaming, and exhibiting signs of paranoid psychosis.

Upon police arrival, officers noted significant chaos within the residence, including visible shell casings, broken belongings, and blood droplets on the porch. Inside, they discovered four children, alongside Valladares with injuries and Santos Funes appearing visibly distressed. The condition of the home was deemed unsuitable for children. Santos Funes allegedly threw garlic at police and there were further troubling behaviors observed from Valladares, leading to both being arrested on several charges, including child abuse. They now face an ICE hold while in custody at the Mecklenburg County detention center.