Key Takeaways
- Two killed, including a 16-year-old boy, and 13 injured in North Carolina Halloween party shooting
- Victims identified as Nehemiah Locklear (16) and Jessie Locklear Jr. (49)
- Approximately 150 people fled the Maxton party before police arrived
- No suspects in custody as of Saturday evening
A mass shooting at a Halloween party in North Carolina has left two people dead and 13 others wounded, according to police authorities. The incident occurred in the town of Maxton, approximately 30 miles southwest of Fayetteville.
Timeline of the Tragedy
Police responded to a house party around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of multiple victims. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that about 150 people fled the scene shortly before officers arrived.
Deputies discovered the bodies of 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear and 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. at the location. Thirteen additional victims, mostly teenagers and young adults, sustained critical injuries.
Official Statements
This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins expressed particular concern about the circumstances, stating:
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.
Party Details and Social Media Impact
A promotional flyer circulating on social media advertised the event as a Halloween party beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday. The flyer included the message: “leave the drama with ya mamma.”
One woman who had planned to attend the party described on Facebook how her friends and aunt became victims. “I was suppose to have been at that party with my girls having a good time. Had my costume and all ready,” she wrote, adding that she woke up to learn one acquaintance was “hit” and another was “shot in the leg.”
Investigation Status
Law enforcement officials confirmed no suspects were in custody as of Saturday evening. Sheriff Wilkins emphasized that “those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable” while extending condolences to the victims and their families.
