16-year-old among those killed at ‘reckless’ Robeson County Halloween party shooting, sheriff says

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) — A 16-year-old boy was one of two people shot and killed Saturday morning at large outdoor Halloween party in Maxton, Robeson County authorities said.

Nehemiah Locklear and 49-year-old Jessie Locklear were found dead at 298 Dixon Drive just after 1 a.m. Eleven other people between the ages of 17 and 43 were shot, including multiple teenagers.

Authorities said the victims weren’t related.

Robeson County Burnis Wilkins described the event as a “large house party” with “dozens of videos posted online” showing underage drinking and people with guns.

Earlier Saturday, Wilkins told News13 roughly 300 people attended.

“When the deputies arrived and even before they arrived, they were being notified that there were several people shot here and as they were arriving, some of the people that were shot were arriving at hospitals both in Lumberton and Scotland County,” he said.

Deputies said more than 150 people ran away before they got there.

“There were well over 300 people here, but we’re still early in the investigation. There’s a lot of interviews taking place but apparently there was a confrontation between a couple of groups of people and then gunfire between those two started and innocent people were shot,” Wilkins said.

News13 obtained video from the scene showing a dirt road lined with vehicles trying to leave as law enforcement arrives.

Responding agencies included the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, state Department of Alcohol Law Enforcement, the North Carolina Highway Patro, Maxton Police Department and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Wilkins’ office said the shooting was an isolated event and that there is no current threat to the community. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation.

“Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable,” Wilkins said. “This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 910-671-3100.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.