Crime
21-year-old Ja’wuane Baker killed in Robeson County shooting
The Red Springs Police Department has released the identity of the victim in a deadly shooting that occurred on Saturday, October 19th, along the 100 block of Grantham Street in the Red Springs community of Robeson County.
21-year-old Ja’wuane Thomas Baker was fatally shot during the incident.
Police Chief Sarah Purcell stated that a suspect has been identified and that an arrest is expected to be made soon.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has been called in to assist with the investigation, reflecting the strong working relationship between the two agencies.
Anyone with information regarding the homicide is urged to contact the Red Springs Police Department at 910-843-3454 or 910-828-6392.
Confidentiality is assured; callers are not required to provide their names.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one individual, identified as Brian Young, died following a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall on Thursday night.
Captain Brian Leer stated that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement inside Jake’s Bar and Grill, located near the mall. The disagreement escalated and culminated in the fatal shooting in the parking lot.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene before 9:50 p.m., and the victim was transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether any suspects are currently in custody.
Law enforcement officers established a large crime scene in the mall’s parking lot, located in the 5600 block of Clark Lane.
Crime scene tape cordoned off a significant portion of the area as investigators combed through the site with flashlights.
A visible law enforcement presence included Boone County deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, Columbia police officers, and Boone County firefighters. Witnesses reported that patrons inside Jake’s Bar and Grill were instructed to remain indoors while the investigation was underway.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., patrons were still present at the bar as investigators worked outside. By 10:34 p.m., deputies began removing crime scene tape, and several evidence boxes were loaded into the back of a patrol vehicle.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the events leading up to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Further details, including potential suspects and a motive, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.