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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.