A Halloween gathering attended by more than 150 people in rural North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday when gunfire broke out, leaving two people dead and 11 others wounded.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. at a large house party on Dixon Drive near Maxton, about 30 miles southwest of Fayetteville, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responding to noise complaints and reports of gunfire found multiple victims at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted on social media that “thirteen individuals have been shot, with two confirmed deceased and several others critically injured,” stating that more than 150 people fled before law enforcement arrived, and “there is no current threat to the community as this appears to have been an isolated incident.”
The victims who died were identified as 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear. The injured ranged in age from 17 to 43, with one person suffered life-threatening injuries, while the others were hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds. The surviving victims were identified as Nicole Harris, 18; Anthony Harris, 18; Jerami Locklear, 18; Trevor Jacobs, 18; Tylon Locklear, 20; Kiona Oxendine, 22; Erin Hatcher, 23; Gabriel Bullard, 27; Lacy Chavis, 29; and Delilah Locklear, 43. Police also said a 17-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, was among those injured.
Family members said the event was a Halloween celebration. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins condemned the violence, calling it “yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured. What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol and guns at a large house party. Dozens of videos posted from the party … simply show that alcohol and guns don’t mix, regardless of age. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic. Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event.”
The Sheriff’s Office said no arrests have been made, and investigators are still searching for the shooter. The names of additional suspects or potential motives have not been released. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov.
Editorial credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com
