A Halloween house party in North Carolina turned deadly when gunfire erupted in the early morning hours, leaving two people dead and 11 others wounded.

At least two people were killed and 11 others were injured in a shooting that occurred during a Halloween party on Saturday, October 25, according to People. Police responded to the home around 1:15 a.m. local time following reports of a noise complaint and multiple shooting victims.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office identified the deceased victims as 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear, both of whom died at the scene. The injured victims range in age from 17 to 43, with one person suffering life-threatening injuries, while the remaining victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds.

Victims Span a Wide Age Range

The surviving victims include several teenagers and young adults who were attending the Halloween celebration. Nicole Harris, 18, Anthony Harris, 18, Jerami Locklear, 18, and Trevor Jacobs, 18, were among the youngest injured parties requiring medical attention.

Additional victims in their twenties included Tylon Locklear, 20, Kiona Oxendine, 22, Erin Hatcher, 23, Gabriel Bullard, 27, and Lacy Chavis, 29. The oldest injured victim was identified as Delilah Locklear, 43, along with an unidentified 17-year-old who also sustained injuries.

The wide age range of victims suggests the Halloween party drew attendees from multiple generations within the community. The presence of both teenagers and adults at the gathering has raised questions about supervision and safety protocols at such events.

Sheriff Condemns Senseless Gun Violence

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins issued a strong statement condemning what he described as "yet another senseless act of gun violence." His remarks emphasized the tragic loss of life and the serious injuries sustained by multiple victims at what should have been a celebratory occasion.

Wilkins expressed particular concern about the combination of factors present at the party, specifically citing "the involvement of teenagers, alcohol and guns at a large house party." His statement reflected growing frustration with recurring incidents involving young people and firearms at social gatherings.

The sheriff noted that dozens of videos posted from the party demonstrated the dangerous mix of alcohol and weapons. "Simply show that alcohol and guns don't mix, regardless of age," Wilkins stated, emphasizing that "the consequences are once again tragic."

Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies. Partner organizations include Robeson County Emergency Management, the Fairmont Police Department, and the Hoke County Sheriff's Office in the collaborative effort.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also joined the investigation, indicating the serious federal interest in the case. This multi-agency approach suggests authorities are treating the incident as a major crime requiring extensive resources and expertise.

Police are actively searching for suspects in connection with the shooting, though no arrests have been made as of the latest reports. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly gunfire at the Halloween gathering.

Lessons to Learn

1. Large gatherings can quickly spiral out of control. Even a seemingly harmless party can become a site of tragedy when weapons and alcohol are present. It’s essential to consider the risks involved before attending or hosting large events.

2. Teen involvement with alcohol and firearms is especially dangerous. This story highlights why prevention programs targeting youth behavior—especially concerning gun safety and alcohol use—are so critical to public safety.

3. Maintaining security at parties should be prioritized. Property owners or event organizers should take steps to control who enters events, monitor behavior, and report suspicious activity. Still, it is important to remember that crime can affect anyone, regardless of precautions, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This tragedy underscores the increasing concerns surrounding gun violence at social gatherings across the United States. The involvement of minors and the death of a teenager emphasize how deeply these incidents are impacting young lives and families. Furthermore, the story is a reminder that communities must come together to support one another in the wake of such horrifying violence, while also encouraging policy and safety changes to prevent future bloodshed. Honoring the lives lost and helping the injured recover must be paired with a commitment to address the root causes behind these acts of violence.

Final Thoughts on a Tragic Night

Authorities continue to search for answers after a deadly Halloween party shooting in North Carolina claimed the lives of 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear. Eleven others were injured in the early morning attack, with one victim still fighting for their life. The incident took place in Robeson County at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 25. A total of 13 victims were harmed, many of them teenagers, at a gathering where authorities believe alcohol and firearms were openly involved. No arrests have been made, and the community waits for updates from law enforcement leading the complex investigation.