North Carolina prosecutors to seek death penalty against man charged in 2022 Lumberton parking lot killing of ex-girlfriend

LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW) — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty next year when a man accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in a Lumberton Food Lion parking lot goes to trial.

Robeson County District Attorney Matt Scott told News13 Wednesday that Desmond Lee Sampson has been appointed two attorneys ahead of his September 2026 court appearance.

Sampson is accused of killing 31-year-old Kayla Hammonds on Nov. 21, 2022. Authorities said she died on scene after multiple stab wounds,

In March 2023, lawmakers introduced bills named after Kayla that would offer better protections for those experiencing domestic violence — allowing victims to remotely testify against accused abusers.

It would require district court trials related to domestic violence be preserved for potential future use.