I live in Charlotte and find it unimaginable that this young man has not been found. As far as the gang thing, yes we have a huge problem, but a gang member is not going to give a hoot about hiding a body. They will hold a gun to you, take what you got and maybe leave you alive, but if they kill you they are most likely just gonna drop you where you stand and walk, run or slink away.
Now being at the age where hubby and I still go to bars. I saw nothing unusual in the footage I have seen. Saw a bouncer, some patrons chit chatting, etc. As far as your friends leaving you at the bar, nothing unusual there. I have been out with friends who have left a bar before me and hung out with a few regulars that I knew casually and left on my own. Of course I carry military tear gas with me everywhere I go and when I leave the bar, or anywhere, I have it in my hand locked and loaded. You can never be too careful.
Hope there is some kind of resolution soon.