Maxton, N.C. — A Halloween-themed house party in rural southeastern North Carolina turned into tragedy early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and at least 11 injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting took place around 1:15 a.m., when deputies responded to a noise complaint at a residence on Dixon Drive, just outside the small town of Maxton. Before officers arrived, 911 call-takers received multiple reports that individuals had been shot at the location.
The victims & party details
Law enforcement identified the two deceased as Nehemiah Locklear, age 16, and Jessie Locklear Jr., age 49, both of whom were from the nearby city of Lumberton.
The party was described as large and varied in age: the sheriff’s office estimates more than 300 people attended, with ages ranging from pre-teens to about 50. Among the injured, many were teenagers and young adults (ages 17 to 43); several remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, multiple shooters and multiple weapons may have been involved in the incident — describing it as a confrontation between two groups at the event.
Response & investigation
Deputies arrived to discover many fleeing the scene — more than 150 attendees had run from the location before officers arrived. The sheriff’s office says the gathering appeared to be an un-permitted large party, which allowed it to evade early scrutiny from enforcement.
No arrests have yet been reported in connection with the shooting. Authorities say they have identified multiple persons of interest, and various agencies are assisting with the investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local Alcohol Law Enforcement agents. Meanwhile, officials said there is no current threat to the broader community, characterizing the event as an isolated incident.
Reaction
“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Sheriff Wilkins said in a news release. He added: “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 on multiple platforms simply show that alcohol and guns don’t mix, regardless of age.”
Local community members expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. One prospective party-goer wrote on social media that she had a costume ready, only to awaken to the news that a friend had been shot.
What’s next
Investigators are requesting help from anyone who attended the event or has video or photographic evidence of the party or shooting. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100 or via the provided email address. Officials are also reviewing the location’s permit status and whether proper supervision, security or alcohol controls were in place.
The names of the injured have been released in some cases. For example, one list of wounded attendees includes 18-year-old Nicole Harris of Raeford, 27-year-old Gabriel Bullard of Lumberton, and 43-year-old Delilah Locklear of Lumberton.
As the investigation continues, the community of Maxton and the broader Robeson County region are grappling with the aftermath and calls for stronger prevention of large un-regulated gatherings, especially where firearms, alcohol and minors are involved.
