Two people are dead after shots were fired at a large party in Robeson County early Saturday morning, according to Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
Robeson County deputies, with the help of other agencies, are investigating a shooting that happened at a large party on Dixon Drive just outside of Maxton, which is southeast of Fayetteville. Deputies said that the shooting happened at a residence at the end of a rural dirt road in a secluded neighborhood.
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During a press conference with media on Saturday afternoon, Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said that one of the victims who was shot and killed was 16 years old. The other was in their 40s.
Deputies later identified the two killed as Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16, both of Lumberton. Wilkins did not say whether those two were related.
Burnis added that the party hosted "a lot of underage people," with ages ranging from pre-teen to people in their 50s.
Deputies confirmed that 11 more people were shot. The ages of those injured ranged from 17 to 43 years old. Several are critically injured and at least one person was airlifted from the scene. They added that more than 150 people ran from the location before law enforcement arrived.
RCSO said there is no current threat to the community as this shooting appears to be an isolated incident.
Wilkins said that because the number of people at the party was under the town's limit to obtain a permit for a large gathering, local law enforcement was not aware of the party until shots were fired. He added that if there were a permit, security and law enforcement would have been aware.
In a media release, Wilkins said the shooting was "another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured."
He continued:
What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol and guns at a large house party. Dozens of videos posted from the party on multiple platforms simply show that alcohol and guns don't mix, regardless of age. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic. Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this tragic event.Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins
The sheriff's office is asking the public for any information regarding this incident or anyone who was at the scene when the shooting occurred. You can contact them at 910-671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov.
A GoFundMe has been established to raise money for funeral costs for the Nehemiah Locklear.