URGENT UPDATE: A Halloween party in Maxton, North Carolina turned tragic early Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a 16-year-old boy. The shootings occurred around 1:15 a.m., leaving 13 others critically injured, according to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.
Authorities report that the party, hosted outdoors at a private residence, attracted over 300 attendees ranging in age from pre-teens to individuals in their 50s. Sheriff Wilkins stated that the violence erupted following a confrontation between two groups present at the event.
“There’s a lot of interviews taking place, but apparently there was a confrontation between a couple of groups of people and then gunfire started,” Wilkins told WBTW-TV. The fatalities include a 47-year-old man and the teenage victim, whose names have not yet been released.
One of the injured has been airlifted to a hospital for urgent treatment, while others are receiving care at nearby facilities. As of Saturday afternoon, no arrests had been made, but multiple persons of interest are being investigated, according to the sheriff’s office.
Eyewitnesses reported that more than 150 attendees fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, complicating the investigation. Sheriff Wilkins emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging anyone with information to contact investigators.
The event was not known to law enforcement prior to the shooting, as the number of attendees fell below the local threshold requiring a permit and security measures. The sheriff’s office confirmed that multiple weapons were involved, indicating a chaotic scene during the incident.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews to piece together the events leading up to this devastating outbreak of violence. The community is left in shock as they mourn the loss of life and support those injured in this alarming incident.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
