BREAKING: Two people are dead and at least 13 others are critically injured following a shocking shooting at a Halloween party in Maxton, North Carolina, early this morning. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on October 28, 2023, at a large outdoor gathering that attracted more than 300 attendees, including a 16-year-old boy and a 47-year-old man, both of whom lost their lives.
According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the violence erupted when a confrontation broke out between two groups at the party, which was held in a rural area near the South Carolina border. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that multiple individuals fired shots during the altercation, leading to what has now become a tragic scene of chaos and grief.
“It appears that several people were involved in the shooting,” Sheriff Wilkins told WBTW-TV. “We are currently interviewing witnesses, but many fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.” More than 150 attendees reportedly left the party as the gunfire erupted, complicating the investigation.
Among those injured, one victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment, while others were taken to local facilities. The sheriff’s office has announced that they are pursuing multiple persons of interest, but as of this afternoon, no arrests have been made.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene filled with panic and confusion. “People were running everywhere,” said one attendee. “You don’t expect something like this at a Halloween party.”
Authorities indicated they were not aware of the party until they received reports of gunfire, as the number of attendees did not exceed the local threshold requiring a permit or security measures. Sheriff Wilkins is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact his office immediately.
As this situation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Local residents are encouraged to come forward with any details that could assist in the investigation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as law enforcement works diligently to bring clarity and justice to this heartbreaking incident.
