Crime
48-year-old Christopher Keith killed in Sylacauga shooting
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The Sylacauga Police Department is actively investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one man dead and another injured in what authorities describe as a violent incident involving multiple gunshots.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley, officers responded to the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue on May 11, 2025, after receiving reports of numerous shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings scattered in the roadway, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
While processing the initial scene, Central Dispatch notified officers of two individuals reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds nearby on Curran Street.
Responding officers quickly located a vehicle containing both victims.
They immediately rendered aid with assistance from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office until Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived.
The victims were transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for emergency care.
One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was stabilized, while the second victim, later identified as Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was transferred to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham in critical condition. Sadly, Keith succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Sylacauga Police Department and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspect information has been released, and investigators are working to determine a motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigation Division at 256-391-4390, the SPD tip line at 256-249-4716, or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Anonymous tips are welcome and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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.”