Robeson County Coverage

35 years ago: WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy had phone conversation on live TV with man holding Robesonian newspaper staff hostage

On Feb. 1, 1988, long-time WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy spoke over the phone on live TV with Eddie Hatcher, who was one of the men who held the Robesonian staff hostage.

35 years ago: WRAL News anchor had live TV conversation with man holding Lumberton newspaper staff hostage

On Feb. 1, 1988, Eddie Hatcher and Timothy Jacobs walked into the Robesonian newspaper office in Lumberton with sawed-off shotguns and chained the door closed behind them. The men wanted to bring national attention to what they saw as rampant corruption and racism in Robeson County.

WRAL Staff

35 years ago: WRAL news anchor had conversation on live TV with man who held newspaper staff hostage

On Feb. 1, 1988, Eddie Hatcher and Timothy Jacobs walked into the Robesonian newspaper office in Lumberton with sawed-off shotguns and chained the door closed behind them. The men wanted to bring national attention to what they saw as rampant corruption and racism in Robeson County. Long-time WRAL news anchor Charlie Gaddy had a phone conversation with Hatcher on live television.

Sheriff: Man found dead inside vehicle in Robeson County

The case is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.

3 dead, 1 injured in shooting; Robeson Co. Sheriff's Office holding news conference at 10 a.m.

In just a few hours, we expect an update from the sheriff's office on a shooting that left three people dead and one other injured.

Three arrested for murder of man found dead in ditch in Robeson County neighborhood

A man was found dead Tuesday in a ditch between two homes.

Robeson County man charged in girlfriend's murder, dismemberment

Glenn Locklear III, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of death by dismembering human remains and altering and destroying evidence.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

$19 million aims to reverse opioid epidemic in Robeson County

Through the Opioid Settlement, the Robeson County is receiving $9 million to combat the issue. That's in addition to the $10 million the county is due to receive through the state budget.

Robeson County receives millions to fight opioid crisis

Robeson County is receiving $9 million to combat the opioid crisis. That's in addition to the $10 million the county is due to receive through the state budget.

Josh Stein meets with Robeson County leaders to discuss ideas for additional $9 million they're receiving to combat opioid crisis

This funding is coming to Robeson County from the $750 million awarded to the state through a settlement agreement with major pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Investigative Data Journalist

State-funded opioid treatment center names new director. His past raises questions for Robeson residents

The new director of Hope Alive formerly worked as the Pembroke town manager, but was dismissed after about two years in the role when it was discovered he used town credit cards for personal purchases.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Investigative Data Journalist

Robeson Co. chase leads to woman's death

A Robeson County community is mourning the loss of a woman whose vehicle was hit head-on by someone being chased by Lumberton police Saturday.

Search continues for missing Robeson County woman

Investigators say 42-year-old Jessica Lawrence disappeared September 26. Four days ago, her boyfriend was arrested during a at a traffic stop. He was driving the missing woman's car.

Robeson County woman's disappearance stretches into weeks, foul play suspected

Jessica Lawrence was last seen at her home in St. Pauls on Sept. 26.

9-year-old Robeson Co. girl with long recovery ahead of her after being shot in car with mother

Two people have been arrested in connection to the shooting of a woman and her 9-year-old daughter, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office said on Monday.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

9-year-old in critical condition after Pembroke shooting

Four people have been charged in connection to a shooting that left a mother and her daughter in critical conditon. The pair were in a vehicle driving when they were fired at.

Two arrested in connection to Robeson County shooting of mother, daughter

Two people have been arrested in connection to the shooting of a woman and her 9-year-old daughter, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office said on Monday.

Leslie Moreno, WRAL reporter

Robeson County history influenced investigation, trial in murder of Michael Jordan's father

The investigation and trial that followed the murder of Michael Jordan's father in 1993 was as much about where as it was about what.

Consider looking elsewhere: COVID, other ailments have all beds full at hospital in Lumberton

All beds at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton are full, causing facility employees to ask patients not needing immediate emergency care to consider looking elsewhere.

Elkay Manufacturing to expand to new $5.5M facility in Robeson County, create 20 jobs

An expansion to a new facility, along with a $5.5 million investment, will create 20 jobs in Robeson County, for Elkay Manufacturing.

Fact check: No, George Floyd's brother wasn't arrested in North Carolina

A post spreading on social media claims that one of George Floyd's siblings was recently charged with murder. "George Floyd's younger brother, Dejywan Floyd, has been arrested in North Carolina for a 'road rage' shooting of a white couple, killing the mother of six sitting in the passenger," reads the text above two images: one of a Black man and one of what looks like a white woman.

Ciara O'Rourke, PolitiFact reporter

Robeson County students return to the classroom

For the first time in nearly a year, class is in session inside the public schools of Robeson County, North Carolina.

SC residents account for less than quarter of Robeson's vaccinations, official says

More health departments in North Carolina are barring out-of-state residents from getting their coronavirus vaccinations in North Carolina.

Robeson officials shut off vaccine access to most SC residents

More health departments in North Carolina are barring out-of-state residents from getting their coronavirus vaccinations in North Carolina.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

With hospital at capacity, Robeson physician urges people of color to get vaccinated

Dr. Robin Peace, a Robeson County physician, got vaccinated against coronavirus to demonstrate to local minority communities that the vaccine is safe.