Deadly Halloween Party Shooting in North Carolina Leaves Two Dead, 11 Injured, Authorities Investigate
A Halloween celebration in Robeson County, North Carolina, ended in tragedy early Saturday morning, Oct. 25, when a shooting at a house party claimed the lives of two people and left 11 others injured, according to law enforcement officials. The incident highlights the dangers of large gatherings where alcohol, firearms, and minors are present.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) reported that deputies were dispatched around 1:15 a.m. local time following a noise complaint and multiple reports of individuals shot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims had died at the scene: 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear. The ages of the surviving victims range from 17 to 43, with one individual suffering life-threatening injuries. The remaining 10 victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds. Authorities identified the injured as Nicole Harris, 18; Anthony Harris, 18; Jerami Locklear, 18; Trevor Jacobs, 18; Tylon Locklear, 20; Kiona Oxendine, 22; Erin Hatcher, 23; Gabriel Bullard, 27; Lacy Chavis, 29; Delilah Locklear, 43; and an unidentified 17-year-old.
Family members of those affected indicated that the shooting erupted during a Halloween house party, a gathering that quickly turned deadly. Videos circulated online from the event, showing large numbers of attendees and alcohol being consumed, providing a stark illustration of the environment in which the tragedy occurred.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins condemned the violence, calling it “yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured.” He expressed particular concern about the involvement of minors and firearms in such settings. “What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol and guns at a large house party,” Wilkins said. “Dozens of videos posted from the party … simply show that alcohol and guns don’t mix, regardless of age. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic.”
Authorities have launched an active search for the suspect responsible for the shooting. No arrests have been made as of Sunday, Oct. 26, and law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The RCSO is conducting the investigation with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Robeson County Emergency Management, Fairmont Police Department, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Efforts to contact the RCSO for comment on Sunday were unsuccessful.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over gun violence at social gatherings, particularly those where alcohol and minors are involved. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing shootings at private events. Officials and community members alike have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the injuries sustained, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to ensure the safety of residents during celebrations and public events.
This shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with firearms in residential settings, the responsibilities of party organizers, and the potential consequences of combining alcohol, minors, and weapons. Investigators are continuing to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Sheriff Wilkins and other officials have pledged to pursue justice for the victims and to prevent similar incidents in the future, calling for heightened vigilance in communities hosting large gatherings. The tragic event has left a lasting impact on families, neighbors, and the broader Robeson County community, highlighting the urgent need to address gun violence at its roots.
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