Two killed, initially mistaken as father and son, 13 injured in Robeson County, North Carolina Halloween party mass shooting

Two dead and 13 injured after gunfire erupts at North Carolina “dirt road” Halloween party with over 300 attendees

A rural North Carolina community is reeling after a mass shooting at a large outdoor Halloween party left two people dead and thirteen others injured early Saturday morning. The event was promoted on social media as the “Halloween Dirt Road Party.” It had the tagline “Ain’t no party like the dirt road party.” The event held at 298 Dixon Drive near Maxton in Robeson County.

The celebration drew hundreds from nearby towns, with no security, no permits, and free-flowing alcohol. As a result, creating what investigators now describe as a volatile setting that spiraled into tragedy around 1:15 a.m. on October 25.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) confirmed that deputies were initially responding to complaints about loud music when multiple 911 calls flooded in reporting gunfire. By the time law enforcement arrived, the once-crowded party had erupted into panic. Over 150 people fled, abandoning cars, drinks, and personal items scattered across the darkened field.

Victims Identified — Two Dead, 13 Wounded

Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene: 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear, both from Lumberton. Although they share a surname, investigators clarified that the two are not related. However, early reports were suggesting a father-son relationship.

The 13 others injured—aged between 17 and 43—were taken to multiple hospitals across the region. One was airlifted to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill in critical condition. Meanwhile, others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Those hurt included several young adults and teenagers from neighboring towns. They came from places such as Maxton, Pembroke, and Raeford. Those areas are closely connected to the Lumbee Native American community that makes up much of Robeson County’s population.

Officials described the incident as one of the largest and most violent shootings in recent county history, marking a devastating blow to a region already struggling with repeated cycles of community violence.

Gunfire Erupts Without Warning

Witnesses say the party had been going smoothly before an argument near the edge of the property quickly escalated into chaos. Multiple shooters reportedly opened fire using different types of firearms. Thus, spraying bullets toward the crowd and nearby vehicles.

Social media videos posted before the shooting show dozens of young people dancing under flashing lights, red cups in hand, and a DJ booth blaring Southern rap. The tagline on the event flyer—“Leave ya drama with ya mama”—took on a grim irony as bullets flew across the open field.

Investigators say there were no security guards or law enforcement presence at the event, which did not require a county permit under the 500-person threshold that would have mandated safety protocols. Alcohol was being consumed freely. Many attendees were reportedly underage.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins described the scene deputies encountered as “chaotic and heartbreaking.” Thus, noting that victims and witnesses were scattered and panicked when law enforcement arrived.

Sheriff’s Statement and Ongoing Investigation

In a press conference, Sheriff Wilkins condemned the recklessness that led to the tragedy.

“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence that has taken the lives of two individuals and left many others seriously injured,” Wilkins said. “What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol, and guns at a large house party. As seen here, the consequences are once again tragic.”

He emphasized that the RCSO is working with multiple agencies, including the District Attorney’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), and the ATF.

While several persons of interest have been identified, no arrests have been made as of Sunday morning. Investigators believe multiple shooters were involved but are still determining motives and ballistics.

Authorities also said the tenant of the property is cooperating fully. “We’re treating this as an isolated incident,” Wilkins added. “There’s no ongoing threat to the public.”

Residents with information are urged to contact RCSO investigators at 910-671-3100 or email [email protected], and tips can be provided anonymously.

A community haunted by recurring violence

Robeson County, located near the South Carolina border, has long battled cycles of violent crime, substance abuse, and poverty. It’s also home to one of the largest Native American populations east of the Mississippi, with many families connected through extended kinship networks under common surnames such as Locklear, Oxendine, and Chavis.

This latest tragedy follows a triple homicide earlier in this year. Thus, raising renewed concerns over youth violence and the easy availability of firearms in rural North Carolina. Sheriff Wilkins has previously called for tighter community oversight and responsible hosting of large gatherings.

Despite repeated efforts by local officials to promote neighborhood watch programs and violence prevention initiatives, the county remains burdened by one of the highest violent crime rates per capita in the state.

Social Media Reactions: Grief, Blame, and Speculation

The shooting sparked an immediate wave of online reaction, with posts across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok capturing everything from condolences to controversy.

Many users expressed disbelief and sorrow. Therefore, sharing images of the victims with messages like “Heartbreaking — prayers up for Robeson County” and “Two lives gone too soon.”

Others turned the discussion toward the county’s identity and racial dynamics. Thus, noting that “Locklear” is a common Lumbee surname. Some comments made assumptions about the victims’ backgrounds. Meanwhile, others criticized what they perceived as lack of national attention compared to similar tragedies elsewhere.

One post read:

“No national headlines for this one — just another Saturday night in America. Guns, teenagers, and alcohol — the deadliest mix.”

Another local commenter urged compassion over judgment:

“These kids are our neighbors, our cousins, our family. Stop turning every tragedy into a statistic.”

The divide on social media reflects the deeper tensions in Robeson County — a place where small-town familiarity meets longstanding frustration over poverty, policing, and misrepresentation.

Sheriff Urges Cooperation Amid Silence

Investigators have said that while some witnesses have come forward, many are refusing to talk, a recurring issue in local cases. Sheriff Wilkins publicly pleaded for help, saying silence only allows the shooters to remain free.

“People know who fired those shots,” he said. “Someone saw what happened. We need the community to step up and speak before we lose even more lives.”

Authorities have also asked anyone who recorded videos or photos from the event to submit them directly to investigators instead of circulating them online. Therefore, warning that the spread of misinformation could hamper the ongoing investigation.

A Grim Reminder Before Halloween Night

The Robeson County shooting arrives just days before Halloween weekend celebrations across the U.S., serving as a chilling reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy. While officials continue piecing together what happened on that dark country road, the pain left behind is immediate and immense.

Candles and flowers have already appeared near the dirt path where Jessie and Nehemiah Locklear lost their lives — two individuals from the same community, taken far too soon.

Sheriff Wilkins closed his statement with a call to reflection:

“Alcohol and guns don’t mix — at any age. What happened here should never have happened. Our community deserves better.”