Justin Wilkins, a 22-year-old male from Lumberton, North Carolina, was found dead on January 10, 2021. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a person shot and lying on the side of the road in the 1000 block of Shannon Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Wilkins' body. Prior to their arrival, a concerned citizen flagged down a deputy and reported seeing a man running towards the woodline near the crime scene. This information led to the arrest of Jacy Bell, a 20-year-old male from Lumberton, who was charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of Justin Wilkins.
The investigation revealed that Wilkins had been shot, and the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division took charge of the case. Bell was placed in the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. The authorities urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
The case garnered significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the swift arrest of the suspect. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate the incident, seeking to uncover the motive behind the shooting and any potential connections between Wilkins and Bell. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation, as the authorities worked diligently to bring justice to the victim and his family.
