A quiet Sunday morning in Robeson County turned tragic after a teenage life was cut short during a gathering near the town of Rowland. Sixteen-year-old Keedon Lewis of Lumberton was found dead after a shooting that unfolded at a home where several people had gathered overnight.
Deputies with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence near the intersection of Josie Lane and Kitchen Street Road shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday following reports of gunfire. When authorities arrived, they discovered Lewis at the scene with fatal injuries. Despite the quick response, the young teen had already died.
Investigators say the shooting happened during a gathering at the home, where a number of individuals were present at the time. What began as a late-night get-together quickly turned into a heartbreaking scene that has now left a family grieving and a community searching for answers.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that detectives are working to piece together what happened inside and around the house in those early hours. Officials believe several people at the gathering may hold key details that could help investigators understand how the shooting unfolded.
Authorities are urging anyone who attended the gathering, or anyone who may have seen or heard something connected to the incident, to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information, investigators say, could help bring clarity to the case and provide long-awaited answers for the victim’s family.
Friends and neighbors in the area have been left stunned by the loss of someone so young. Lewis, just 16, had his entire future ahead of him. Instead, the early morning violence has left loved ones coping with a devastating and sudden loss.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active. Detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing details from the scene as they work to determine exactly what led to the fatal shooting.
For now, Robeson County authorities say the community’s help may be the most important piece of the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to speak with investigators as they continue working toward justice for Keedon Lewis.
