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 Halloween celebration in Robeson County ended in tragedy early Saturday morning after gunfire erupted at a large outdoor party, leaving two people dead and at least 13 others injured, several of them critically.
According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the area of Dixon Drive near McGirt Gin Road, just outside of Maxton, shortly after 3:00 a.m., following reports of multiple shots fired at a large gathering.
When deputies arrived, they found a chaotic and disturbing scene — vehicles abandoned in nearby fields, overturned tables, and debris scattered across the property. Investigators estimate that more than 150 people had attended the event, most of whom fled before law enforcement arrived.
Authorities identified the victims who lost their lives as Jessie Locklear and Nehemiah Locklear.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Several of the injured were transported to local hospitals, while others with more severe injuries were airlifted to regional trauma centers, including UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill.
The event, advertised online as a “Halloween Dirt Road Party” at 298 Dixon Drive, featured the slogan: “Ain’t no party like the dirt road party.” Flyers also encouraged guests to “BYOB” and “leave ya drama with ya mama.” The gathering was scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday and continue into the early morning hours.
In a statement, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins described the incident as a devastating act of violence but emphasized that investigators believe it was an isolated event, noting that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
“More than 150 people ran from the location before deputies arrived,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “We are urging anyone who attended or who has information to come forward and assist our investigators in bringing those responsible to justice.”
Throughout Saturday, social media was filled with messages of grief, support, and disbelief from community members mourning the victims. Friends and family members of those injured expressed heartbreak that what was meant to be a night of celebration ended in unimaginable loss.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from state and local agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information about the incident or who was present during the shooting is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 910-671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountync.gov.
The community continues to grieve as investigators work to uncover what led to the deadly violence that shattered a night meant for celebration.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspect’s condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.