A quiet day in Robeson County turned into a scene of tragedy after deputies launched a murder investigation following the death of a 65-year-old man near the Maxton area. The shocking incident has left the community shaken as authorities search for answers and those responsible.
According to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, deputies responded Wednesday to the 2700 block of Morrison Road in Maxton after receiving reports of an unresponsive individual. When officers arrived, they found Ernie Locklear, a local resident, in critical condition at the scene.
Locklear was quickly transported to a hospital in Scotland County in an attempt to save his life. Despite those efforts, he later died from his injuries. What initially appeared unclear soon took a darker turn as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding his death.
Sheriff Wilkins confirmed that preliminary results from an autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office determined Locklear’s death to be a homicide. Officials say he was tragically killed while simply working on a farm tractor, an everyday task that should have been safe and routine.
“This is a deeply disturbing and senseless act,” Wilkins said in a statement. “This gentleman was tragically killed while minding his own business.” The statement has further intensified concerns within the community, where residents are now grappling with fear and sadness over the violent loss.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Criminal Investigation Divisions are actively working the case and urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities say even the smallest detail could help bring justice to Locklear’s family and restore a sense of peace to the community as the investigation continues.