Crime
Family Seeks Support Following Tragic Loss of 30-Year-Old Laronda Gilmore
Cleveland, OH – The family of 30-year-old Laronda Gilmore is seeking community support following her tragic passing.
According to Daylan Smith, a family spokesperson, Laronda was found deceased on February 22, 2025, inside an abandoned home in the Cleveland area.
At this time, the cause of death remains undetermined, as an autopsy is currently underway.
“This devastating loss has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on our family,” Smith shared. “We want to give Laronda the proper farewell she deserves, but we are struggling with the unexpected costs.”
Described as someone with a kind and giving spirit, Laronda was known for her selflessness and willingness to help others, even when she had little to give.
However, she did not have life insurance, leaving her family to bear the financial challenges of her final arrangements.
The family is now asking for donations to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. “No contribution is too small or too big,” Smith expressed. “We appreciate any support during this heartbreaking time.”
Those willing to assist can make donations through the family’s designated fundraising platform or contact them directly for more information.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those offering prayers, condolences, and support as they navigate this profound loss.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”