News Summary
Lumberton, North Carolina, is reeling from a chilling investigation into multiple homicides that have resulted in several arrests. Key suspects include Cameron O’Bryan Locklear, accused of killing Ronald Hunt, and others linked to separate violent incidents. As the community grapples with rising tensions and fear, local authorities are urging residents to assist in the ongoing investigations to restore safety and peace to the area.
Lumberton, NC: A Chilling Series of Arrests Linked to Multiple Homicides
In a shocking turn of events, the normally peaceful city of Lumberton, North Carolina, has found itself the center of a grim investigation involving several brutal homicides. Authorities have been working tirelessly to get to the bottom of these crimes, and their efforts have led to a string of arrests that have sent ripples through the community.
Arrests Galore: A Deepening Mystery
The first major breakthrough came with the arrest of Cameron O’Bryan Locklear, a 33-year-old man facing serious murder charges. Locklear’s troubles began when he sought medical treatment at McLeod Regional Medical Center for a gunshot wound. It wasn’t long before detectives identified him as a suspect in the murder of Ronald Hunt, who was killed just two nights earlier. Locklear was detained by Florence police in South Carolina on Thursday night before being extradited back to Lumberton, where he was hit with a list of charges, including first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
As the community grapples with the shocking nature of these events, Locklear remains in the Robeson County Detention Center without bond and is expected to face a judge soon.
The Ripple Effect
But Locklear’s case isn’t the only one on the radar. Another arrest impacting the community is that of Ezekiel Burden, who was apprehended in Chicago. Burden is linked to a tragic shooting that took the life of Brandy Nicole Olson at a Walmart last December. Olson succumbed to her injuries after being found with gunshot wounds, leaving family and friends mourning her untimely death. Though Burden has been caught, another suspect, Brian Campbell, turned himself in and is facing charges as an accessory after the fact.
A Deadly Encounter
The arrest that followed soon after involved Tauris Agzene Cabbagestalk, who was charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses for the shooting death of Justin Keith Whitted last October. Cabbagestalk was taken into custody without incident on Thursday and is also being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
A Continuing Threat
Not to be lost in the shuffle, two other individuals, Tequentin Rashaud Mitchell and Tommy Stewart McMillian, were also charged in the homicide of Robert Brandon Barnes, who was found dead on December 15. Mitchell was arrested at a location on Hwy 74 West, while McMillian is already in custody for unrelated charges. Both now face serious allegations, including first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Violence on the Streets
The city of Lumberton is not just dealing with multiple arrests in high-profile cases. A separate incident involving a tragic confrontation outside a tobacco store has also left residents shaken. Billy Ray Huggins, 44, was run over following an argument, and authorities are on the lookout for a 17-year-old male who was driving the vehicle. This suspect is facing a first-degree murder charge and remains at large, causing concern for the safety of local residents.
Community Call to Action
As tensions rise and fear spreads throughout Lumberton, local authorities encourage anyone with information on these cases to come forward. The community is being urged to assist in the fight against violence, reminding everyone that by working together, they can reclaim their streets and ensure a safer future.
The recent arrests have undoubtedly left a mark on Lumberton. With the eyes of the community watching closely, all hope is that justice will prevail and peace will be restored to this small town.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- Wikipedia: Lumberton, North Carolina
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Lumberton North Carolina crime
- The Robesonian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robeson County
- WMBF News
- Google News: Lumberton NC homicide
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
