In a tragic turn of events during a Halloween celebration in Robeson County, North Carolina, two individuals lost their lives, and multiple others suffered injuries following a shooting incident. The gathering, which took place just outside Maxton, quickly descended into chaos.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office reported that a total of 13 individuals were shot at the event. The party, which drew a crowd of approximately 300 attendees, witnessed over 150 people fleeing in panic before law enforcement could arrive at the scene around 1:15 a.m.
The victims who lost their lives have been identified as Jessie Locklear Jr., aged 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, aged 16, both residents of Lumberton. This devastating loss has left the community in mourning.
As deputies continued to manage the crime scene, several injured individuals sought medical attention at nearby facilities, including Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton. One critically injured person was later transferred to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for further treatment.
While some of the wounded remain hospitalized, fortunately, their injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Others received medical care and were subsequently discharged. The investigation into this tragic incident continues as authorities seek to bring clarity and justice to those affected.
One victim was later taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill with life-threatening injuries. Several others remain hospitalized with what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. Others were treated and later released.
The 11 surviving victims ranged in age from 17 to 43.
“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. “What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol and guns at a large house party. Dozens of videos posted from the party on multiple platforms simply show that alcohol and guns don’t mix, regardless of age. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic.”
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division is leading the investigation. The Robeson County District Attorney’s Office; Robeson County Emergency Management; Fairmont Police Department; North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE); Hoke County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are all assisting.
No arrests have been made, but there are persons of interest in the case, the sheriff said.
“Some are cooperating, are not cooperating, which is sadly common for a situation like this, where you have this many people here,” Wilkins said. “It’s unfortunate that – because we’ve had another incident in the county a year or two ago with a similar scenario with over 150 people there, and no one wanted to talk. And it’s still an unsolved murder today.”
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov
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