Gunfire erupted at a large Halloween party in Maxton, on October 25th, leaving two people dead and 11 others injured.
Authorities say more than 300 people were at the gathering when shots were fired around 1:15 a.m. The victims have been identified as Jessie Locklear (49) and Nehemiah Locklear (16) both of Lumberton, NC. The 11 surviving victims range in age from 17 to 43.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins called it “yet another senseless act of gun violence,” noting the tragedy as being disturbing with teenagers, alcohol, and guns at the event.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Alcohol Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
No arrests have been made, noting that there’s some progress with the investigation but yet complex is according to the Robeson Co. Sheriff.
“I ask that the public be patient as we continue working alongside state and federal agencies to bring those responsible for this horrific act to justice,” Sheriff Wilkins said in a released statement.
This investigation is complex in that multiple witnesses are being identified, victims who remain hospitalized must be interviewed, and forensic evidence will have to be carefully analyzed.
Rest assured, we will not stop until those involved are held accountable. I ask for continued prayers for all those affected by this tragedy and thank everyone who has reached out to me personally with your support and prayers.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 671-3100or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountync.gov.
