Two Dead, Thirteen Injured in Mass Shooting at Robeson County Party

Tragedy Strikes Rural North Carolina Party

A festive Halloween gathering in a rural section of Robeson County, North Carolina, turned deadly early Saturday morning when a mass shooting resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 13 others. The incident unfolded just after 1:00 AM local time on a rural road outside Maxton, near Dixon Drive and McGirt Gin roads.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office confirmed the fatalities as Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16. The 13 injured victims, whose ages range from 17 to 43, were transported to various area hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition. One victim was airlifted to a hospital in Chapel Hill for advanced medical care.

Investigation Underway Amidst Chaos

According to Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, deputies initially responded to a 'loud music violation' call before receiving multiple reports of a shooting at the location. The party, described as a Halloween celebration, was attended by over 150 people, with some reports suggesting as many as 300 attendees, ranging from pre-teenagers to adults in their 50s.

The scene was chaotic upon law enforcement's arrival, as more than 150 individuals fled before officers could secure the area, complicating initial evidence collection and eyewitness accounts. Sheriff Wilkins indicated that the violence stemmed from 'a confrontation between a couple of groups of people' that escalated into gunfire, striking innocent partygoers.

Sheriff Appeals for Public Assistance

As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, though 'persons of interest' have been identified. Homicide detectives are actively investigating the motive and working to identify those responsible for the deadly attack. Sheriff Wilkins has urged anyone with information about the shooting or who attended the party to contact investigators, emphasizing the challenges in obtaining cooperation from witnesses in such incidents.

In a statement, Sheriff Wilkins lamented the event, saying, 'This was 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.' Despite the severity of the incident, the sheriff's office has stated that there is 'no current threat to the community' as it appears to have been an isolated event.

Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local population, once again highlighting safety challenges faced by rural communities in Robeson County. Officials and residents have expressed condolences for the victims and their families, and the incident has prompted renewed discussions about community support initiatives and public safety measures to prevent future tragedies.