Lamont Pridgen Jr., an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on February 10, 2021, in Whiteville, North Carolina. Lamont was a standout athlete and football player at East Bladen High School. On the evening of February 10, Lamont was shot twice in the back while in the parking lot of a Food Lion grocery store in North Whiteville.
Witnesses reported seeing a white car and a dark car near each other in the parking lot around 5:40 p.m., followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Customers at the grocery store took cover as the two vehicles sped away. Lamont was initially transported to Columbus Regional Hospital and later transferred to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries on February 21, 2021.
The investigation into Lamont's death revealed that he was in a car targeted by at least one gunman in another vehicle. Despite being interviewed by detectives, Lamont reportedly did not know who shot him or why. The case was initially thought to have occurred in the county but was later turned over to the city after further investigation. The Whiteville Police Department has been actively investigating the case, but as of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Lamont's death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. His sister, Madeana Pridgen, started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses, expressing the family's heartbreak and the void left by Lamont's passing. The East Bladen High School community has also been mourning the loss of a promising young athlete and student.
The investigation into Lamont Pridgen Jr.'s death remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek information and leads to bring those responsible to justice. The community remains hopeful that answers will be found, and justice will be served for Lamont and his grieving family.
