ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned tragic early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the shooting took place around 3:00 a.m. on Dixon Drive, just outside Maxton, during a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, they found a chaotic scene as crowds of partygoers scattered in panic. Authorities said that by the time law enforcement could secure the area, most of the attendees had already fled, making it difficult for investigators to immediately determine what led to the violence. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins later identified the two deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son, whose names have not yet been released in full pending notification of extended family members.
Emergency medical personnel treated numerous victims at the scene before transporting the critically injured to nearby hospitals. As of Sunday afternoon, several individuals remained in serious condition. The sheriff’s office has not released details about the number of shooters involved or whether any suspects have been identified. Officials, however, believe the shooting was targeted rather than random, though the exact motive remains under investigation.
Sheriff Wilkins expressed frustration that many witnesses left before deputies arrived, emphasizing that their cooperation is crucial to solving the case. “We know there were a lot of people there when this happened,” he said. “If you saw something, please come forward. These families deserve answers, and we cannot achieve justice without the help of those who were present.”
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze surveillance footage from the area. Detectives are urging anyone with information or video recordings to contact the department’s investigators at 910-671-3100. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
As the community reels from the tragedy, local residents have begun organizing vigils to honor the victims and support the injured. The sheriff described the shooting as “a senseless act of violence” that has deeply shaken the small Robeson County community. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Wilkins said.