Lexter McNeill, a 32-year-old man from Raeford, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on December 12, 2021. McNeill was known to be a loving father and a supportive friend. He was at a friend's home to hang out and play video games when an argument broke out, leading to a fatal shooting. His girlfriend, Whitney Jacobs, revealed that the argument started over a video game, and it escalated quickly, resulting in McNeill's untimely death.
The Hoke County Sheriff's Office conducted an
investigation into the incident and charged Damien Taylor, a 29-year-old transient, with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Taylor was taken into custody without bond and held in the Hoke County jail. The shooting took place in the 300 block of Tonya Loop in the Triple J Mobile Home Park, and another man, Floyd Burnett Jr., was also killed in the incident. A third individual was wounded and taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment, but his identity was not disclosed.
The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, with many expressing their sorrow and calling for an end to gun violence. McNeill's cousin, Arieonna Locklear, shared that he was a person who always made others laugh and forget their troubles. McNeill's youngest child, a daughter named Essence, was only a week old at the time of his death, adding to the family's grief.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hoke County Sheriff's Office. The loss of Lexter McNeill has left a significant void in the lives of his family, friends, and the community, who continue to mourn his passing and seek justice for his death.
