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Surviving Victims Identified in Robeson County Mass Shooting

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Surviving Victims Identified in Robeson County Mass Shooting Dixon Drive near McGirt Gin Road in Maxton
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ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night Halloween celebration in Robeson County ended in tragedy early Saturday when gunfire erupted at a large outdoor gathering on Dixon Drive near McGirt Gin Road in Maxton.

Authorities confirmed that 13 people were shot, including two who were killed and several others who remain hospitalized with critical injuries.

According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were initially dispatched to 298 Dixon Drive around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in response to a loud music complaint.

Before their arrival, 911 communications received multiple calls reporting that several individuals had been shot at the location.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16, both of Lumberton, deceased at the scene.

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Upon arrival, deputies discovered Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16, both of Lumberton, deceased at the scene.

As law enforcement secured the area, additional shooting victims began arriving at nearby hospitals, including Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton.

One victim was later airlifted to an undisclosed medical facility with life-threatening injuries.

Authorities say the shooting occurred during a large Halloween-themed outdoor party promoted on social media as a “Dirt Road Halloween Party” with the tagline, “Ain’t no party like the dirt road party.”

Flyers for the event advertised “FREE PJ, BYOB, and leave ya drama with ya mama,” drawing a crowd estimated at over 150 attendees.

When deputies arrived, most of the crowd had already fled, leaving behind overturned tables, scattered debris, and abandoned vehicles.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the following individuals were among those injured:

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  • Juvenile, 17, of Maxton, NC
  • Nicole Harris, 18, of Raeford, NC
  • Anthony Harris, 18, of Maxton, NC
  • Jerami Locklear, 18, of Laurel Hill, NC
  • Trevor Jacobs, 18, of Pembroke, NC
  • Tylon Locklear, 20, of Pembroke, NC
  • Kiona Oxendine, 22, of Lumberton, NC
  • Erin Hatcher, 23, of Pembroke, NC
  • Gabriel Bullard, 27, of Lumberton, NC
  • Lacy Chavis, 29, of Shannon, NC
  • Delilah Locklear, 43, of Lumberton, NC

Several victims remain hospitalized, while others have since been treated and released.

In a statement, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins condemned the violence and emphasized the dangers of mixing alcohol and firearms, particularly among young people.

“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Sheriff 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 event show that alcohol and guns don’t mix—regardless of age. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic.”

He added that those responsible for the “reckless and heartless act” will be held accountable and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the broader community impacted by the shooting.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division is leading the investigation, with assistance from multiple agencies including 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).

Residents are urged to contact investigators with any information that may aid the case.
📞 Robeson County Sheriff’s Office: 910-671-3100
📧 Email: sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountync.gov

Authorities continue to review social media footage and witness accounts as part of the ongoing investigation.


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Crime

16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia

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16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University's campus in North Philadelphia 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue
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PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.

The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.

Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.

Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”

According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.

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Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.

Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.

At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.

A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.

As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.

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Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.

Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.

Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.


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