Robeson County, North Carolina – Robeson and Marlboro counties may be in separate states, but they are also neighbors dealing with what authorities describe as a same problem: recent “senseless acts of gun violence.”
The Saturday night shooting at a house party in rural Robeson County, North Carolina, that killed two people and injured 11 others, many of whom were teens, was just the latest event to prompt authorities to ask people to come forward with information and help put an end to gun violence. There have been no arrests made.
The incident on Dixon Road occurred on the same day that the sheriff’s office announced charges against a mother and son in the death of Ray Dewayne Hodge, 35, in Fairmont, and two weeks after a man was shot and killed at a nightclub near Bennettsville in Marlboro County.
“Folks, it’s deeply troubling that we’ve experienced three murders in just two days, each the result of senseless gun violence,” Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said Saturday evening on his Facebook page, as authorities continued to investigate the Halloween Party shooting that killed Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16, both from Lumberton.
“The most recent tragedy, on early Saturday morning, involved teens, alcohol, and a large house party with no supervision, where pre-teens, teens, and adults all gathered together in the masses,” he informed us. “Many of you have probably seen the videos circulating. This combination is a prescription for tragedy, and families are left to mourn the consequences.”
Only minutes after Wilkins’ post, Chief Deputy Larry Turner of the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office expressed similar concerns in his own Facebook post, as investigators continue to search for the person who shot and killed Prezodous “Prep” Jenkins, 31, on Oct. 11 during a large gathering at Mr. G’s nightclub.
“Robeson County has recently experienced horrific and senseless killings and injuries, and we are currently addressing a similar situation involving a shooting,” Turner told reporters. “Some people have commented on one of our blogs, claiming that developing community bonds will inspire people to come forward. In my perspective, this matter takes precedence above personal opinions regarding law enforcement; it is about pursuing justice for the victim and their family.”
Ultimately, authorities need people to come forward, regardless of their attitudes toward law enforcement, he added.
“It is essential to consider the loss of life and the impact on the family and friends of the deceased,” according to Turner. “While some may try to explain remaining silent, there is no good reason; the only people who can help solve these crimes, aside from the evidence collected, are those who observed them. The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office urges you to come forward and offer us with the necessary assistance. Your assistance is critical, and we may not be able to obtain justice without it.”
According to Wilkins, too many individuals today consider weapons as the first solution to a quarrel, “when in reality, communication and self-control” should be the first line of defense.
“Violence never solves anything,” he explained. “It only destroys lives and communities.”
To solve the situation, people will need to accept personal responsibility.
“I believe in the power of prayer and divine intervention, but we must also take personal responsibility as parents, neighbors, friends, and as a community, to prevent these tragedies before they happen,” he told reporters. “Most of you will recall hearing that ‘nothing good happens after midnight.’ Unfortunately, this has been proven true far too often in Robeson County. While we know that many responsible people do not commit crimes at any time, not everyone is responsible, and this has serious implications.
Wilkins, like Turner, emphasized the importance of people coming forward with information when crimes occur.
“Together, we must make it clear that violence is not acceptable in Robeson County,” he told us. “Speak out against crimes. “Be the difference in making our communities safer for everyone.”
Wilkins also requested prayers for investigators as they deal with the fallout from recent occurrences.
“As you prepare for church tomorrow, I ask for two things,” he told me. “First, please pray for the families impacted by these senseless crimes. Also, please pray for my Detectives and Deputies, who have worked practically nonstop for the past 48 hours with little to no rest, investigating these three homicides. Second, to individuals who witnessed the Maxton shooting this morning. If you have not spoken with an investigator from my office, I urge you to do so now. Some of you are suppressing information that may provide closure to bereaved families.”
Anyone with information on the Robeson County investigations is asked to call 910-671-3100 or send an email to [email protected].
Anyone with information on the Marlboro County inquiry is encouraged to phone 843-897-4818.
