Robeson County man facing murder charges for man who went missing

Austin Ransom, 19, of Maxton, was arrested on Friday by Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigators. He has been charged with first degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, first degree arson and second degree burglary. He was placed in the Ransom was placed in the custody of Robeson County Detention Center with no bond for the first degree murder charge. Ransom was given a $2 million secured bond for the remaining charges.

Maj. Damien McLean with the sheriff's office said in a press release that Justin Cody Hunt, 30, of Maxton was reported missing on Tuesday by family members. He was last seen by family members around 5 p.m. on Tuesday in Pembroke with a friend. Hunt's last communication with family was via phone around 9 p.m. that night.

The friend that Hunt was last seen with was located around 10 p.m. after being involved in a vehicle wreck. The wreck occurred in the area of Hwy 74 and Selma Road in Lumberton.

The investigation is ongoing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Robeson County Emergency Management assisted with the investigation. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division at 910-671-3100 or 910-671-3170.