MAXTON, NC – A massive house party turned deadly early Saturday when gunshots rang out, leaving two people dead and seven others fighting for their lives in what authorities are calling another senseless act of gun violence.
The shooting happened around 1:15 a.m. just outside Maxton when deputies showed up to deal with a noise complaint about loud music. Before officers could even get to the door, they started getting frantic 911 calls about multiple people being shot.
Thirteen people were hit by the gunfire, ranging in age from 16 to 49. Two victims – 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear – died from their injuries. Seven others remain hospitalized in critical condition while several more were treated and released.
By the time law enforcement arrived on scene, more than 150 partygoers had already scattered, making it incredibly difficult for investigators to figure out what sparked the violence. Deputies found victims scattered around the property, some already being rushed to hospitals by friends who didn’t wait for ambulances.
Emergency responders transported the wounded to Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton. One victim with life-threatening injuries was taken to an undisclosed medical facility. Doctors are still working to save the seven people clinging to life.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins expressed frustration at yet another preventable tragedy involving young people, alcohol, and firearms. He told the community this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat, but the mix of teenagers, booze, and guns at such a large gathering created a recipe for disaster.
Investigators haven’t announced any arrests or identified suspects in the shooting. They’re pleading with anyone who was at the party to come forward with information, even if they left before police arrived.
The sheriff’s office has set up a tip line for anyone with knowledge about what happened. People can call 910-671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov with information about the shooting.
The small community outside Maxton is reeling from the violence. Losing a teenager and a middle-aged man in the same burst of gunfire has left families devastated and neighbors demanding answers.
Detectives are reviewing any surveillance footage they can find and interviewing the few witnesses who stuck around. With so many people fleeing the scene, piecing together exactly what happened and who pulled the trigger won’t be easy.
