Crime
Brandon Cross arrested in Qulture Bistro nightclub shooting that killed security guard Melvin Gibson
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye has released new details regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a local nightclub over the weekend.
The incident took place at the Qulture Bistro on Sunday, resulting in the death of a security guard and injuries to multiple others.
Sheriff Joye confirmed that Brandon Cross has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
According to Florence County Detention Center records, Cross was booked on Tuesday evening.
The Florence County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Melvin Gibson of Florence, who was working as a security guard at the nightclub at the time of the incident.
Coroner Keith von Lutcken also confirmed that six additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting.
Their conditions have not been disclosed.
Gibson’s family described him as a devoted father of four, a dedicated worker, and a kind-hearted individual who treated everyone with respect.
According to Sheriff Joye, the violence stemmed from a confrontation between Gibson and a group of individuals who had previous conflicts with him.
The group attempted to gain entry into the Qulture Bistro but were denied access by Gibson, who recognized them and viewed them as a potential threat.
Following the refusal, the group reportedly returned to the parking lot, retrieved three firearms, and initiated a shootout.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in Gibson being fatally struck.
Sheriff Joye indicated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are likely as detectives work to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
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.”