What was supposed to be a Halloween celebration turned deadly early Saturday after gunfire erupted at a massive house party in Maxton, leaving two people dead and at least eleven others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the 200 block of Dixon Drive just outside Maxton around 1:15 a.m., after receiving reports of a large shooting incident. Authorities said more than 150 people fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, with an estimated 300 people having attended the gathering.
When the gunfire stopped, 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear, both of Lumberton, were found dead.
The North Carolina Beat confirmed Nehemiah as one of the victims earlier Saturday morning.
While deputies worked the chaotic scene, several gunshot victims showed up at Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton.
One victim was later airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill with life-threatening injuries, while others remain hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds.
Some victims have since been treated and released.
The 11 surviving victims range in age from 17 to 43.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins condemned the violence, saying the situation highlights the deadly mix of guns, alcohol, and teenagers at large gatherings.
“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Wilkins said. “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. The consequences are tragic.”
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division is leading the investigation, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office, Robeson County Emergency Management, Fairmont Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, and the ATF.
The Robeson County mass shooting happened at what was advertised as a “Halloween Party.” A flyer for the event promoted it as an all-night celebration with the tagline:
“Ain’t no party like the dirt road party.”
It also advertised “FREE PJ, BYOB, and leave ya drama with ya mama!”, and listed the address as 298 Dixon Drive, Maxton, NC, with the event set to start at 10:00 p.m. Friday, October 24th, and go until.”
No arrests have been made yet, but authorities confirmed there are persons of interest in the case.
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