Nehemiah Locklear, Jessie Locklear, Jr. Obituary, Death – Authorities in Robeson County, North Carolina, are investigating a tragic incident that took place during a large Halloween party late Friday night in the town of Maxton, located about 100 miles southeast of Charlotte near the South Carolina border. The event left two people dead — including a teenager — and several others injured.
Officials identified the two people who lost their lives as 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear and 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. Although they share the same last name, authorities confirmed that the two were not related. Emergency crews discovered both individuals at the scene shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday, following reports of a major disturbance involving gunfire.
In addition to the two fatalities, 11 others ranging in age from 17 to 43 were reported injured. Several of the injured were teenagers, according to law enforcement officials. Many of the victims were transported to nearby hospitals in Lumberton and Scotland County for medical treatment.
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins described the event as a “large house party,” estimating that around 300 people had gathered for the Halloween celebration. Speaking with local media, Sheriff Wilkins said that the party appeared to have gotten out of control, noting that videos circulating online showed instances of underage drinking and individuals displaying firearms.
“When deputies arrived, they were already being notified that several people had been injured,” Wilkins said. “Even as law enforcement reached the scene, others who had been hurt were arriving at local hospitals seeking medical care.”
Deputies reported that as many as 150 people fled the scene before officers could secure the area, making it difficult to immediately identify witnesses or gather evidence. Sheriff Wilkins explained that the early stages of the investigation suggest that a confrontation broke out between two groups of people attending the party, which led to an exchange of gunfire. Unfortunately, some of those who were harmed appear to have been bystanders caught in the middle of the altercation.
Video obtained by WBTW News showed a long line of vehicles attempting to leave the area along a dirt road as law enforcement officers arrived. Emergency vehicles from several agencies could be seen responding to the scene throughout the night.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has assured residents that the situation appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing danger to the wider community. The department has partnered with multiple agencies to investigate what happened, including the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Department of Alcohol Law Enforcement, the Maxton Police Department, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
Sheriff Wilkins issued a public statement expressing sympathy for the victims and frustration over the violence that unfolded. “Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable,” he said. “This was yet another tragic event that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured.”
Community members have since expressed sorrow and disbelief, with many posting condolences for the victims’ families on social media. Residents of Maxton and nearby towns have also voiced concern about large unsupervised gatherings and the need for greater community awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are conducting interviews and reviewing online videos and evidence collected from the scene. They are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist detectives in identifying those responsible.
Anyone with details about the incident is encouraged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100. Anonymous tips may also be shared with local authorities to support the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Wilkins concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of community cooperation: “We need everyone’s help to bring justice to the victims and peace to their families.”
