Crime
5-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot by 3-Year-Old Brother in Henderson, Victim Identified
HENDERSON, NC – A tragic shooting inside a Henderson home has left a 5-year-old girl dead after her 3-year-old brother accidentally discharged a firearm, police say.
According to a press release from the Henderson Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Gary Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered the young girl suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
Early findings indicate that the incident occurred inside the family’s home when the 3-year-old child gained access to an unsecured firearm and discharged it, striking his sister, police said.
Authorities recovered the firearm used in the shooting, along with other evidence from the scene.
“The investigation will require time and various resources, including consultation with the District Attorney’s Office,” officials stated.
While police have not yet announced whether charges will be filed, the case remains under active review.
The North Carolina Beat has identified the victim as 5-year-old Avah Gracelynn and her 3-year-old brother as Waylon Lee.
Authorities are urging the public to secure firearms properly to prevent similar tragedies.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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.”