Crime
Illegal Gun Deal Turned Robbery Led to Mass Shooting in Spotsylvania County
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson.
A tragic shooting in Spotsylvania County has left three young men dead and resulted in criminal charges for four others—three of whom are juveniles—following what investigators say was an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of four individuals in connection with the incident.
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, have been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Unlawful Assembly.
Authorities confirmed that one of the 16-year-old suspects remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound and will be taken into custody upon his release.
According to Major Elizabeth Scott, two of the suspects are residents of Spotsylvania County and the other two are from Caroline County.
Three of the individuals are currently being held without bond.
Deputies responded to the 400 block of Olde Greenwich Circle at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
When first responders arrived, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
The three deceased victims were identified as:
- Chase Feaster, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- Alonzo Goffney, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- An unidentified 20-year-old male, whose name is being withheld pending confirmation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Three additional individuals sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Investigators determined that the shooting was the result of an illegal firearm transaction that turned violent.
Major Scott praised the work of detectives in bringing swift resolution to the case and expressed gratitude to the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their support in the investigation.
“We are deeply thankful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the cooperation of the community during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,” Scott stated.
As a precautionary measure, Fredericksburg City Public Schools operated on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, April 9.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
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.”