LUMBERTON, North Carolina — Police say a typical Wednesday night on Musselwhite Circle turned into tragedy when 27‑year‑old Alexis Locklear was struck and killed in a drive‑by shooting. Officers arrived in the 2200 block late Wednesday and found Locklear suffering from a gunshot wound. She died at the scene.
Witnesses told investigators they heard rapid gunfire near a group of people standing by a vehicle. Police say someone inside a passing vehicle fired multiple shots into the crowd. A stray bullet hit Locklear, leaving her with fatal injuries before help could reach her.
Authorities moved quickly, identifying 22‑year‑old Travis Hunt Jr. of Lumberton as the suspected shooter. Early Thursday, they arrested Hunt and charged him with first‑degree murder. He remains in the Robeson County Detention Center without bond while the case moves through court.
Friends and relatives described Locklear as someone with a warm smile and plans for her future. People who knew her said her loss has hit the community hard, and that grief has rippled through families and neighbors still struggling to understand how an ordinary evening ended in violence.
Police have not spoken publicly about a possible motive. Detectives are urging anyone who saw something or knows details about the shooting to come forward so they can piece together what led to the deadly event.
In the hours after the shooting, neighbors reported hearing sirens and seeing patrol cars block off the quiet street. Some said Musselwhite Circle rarely sees this level of violence, leaving many in shock that an act like this could happen in their neighborhood.
Locklear’s death marks another chapter in a community wrestling with gun violence. Supporters have begun planning a vigil to honor her memory later this week.
