Tyron Christopher Melton Jr., a 27-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on August 14, 2020, in Lumberton, North Carolina. The incident occurred during an armed robbery on Bunny Trail Road, where Melton was shot and his vehicle, a white 2011 Mercedes Benz E350, was stolen. Despite being rushed to Southeastern Regional Medical Center by a family member, Melton succumbed to his injuries.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the case,
focusing on the stolen vehicle and potential suspects. On September 29, 2020, Jermaine McLeod Jr., a 19-year-old male from Lumberton, was arrested in connection with the robbery and murder. McLeod was charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy. He was apprehended at the Knights Inn motel on Lackey Street in Lumberton.
The investigation revealed that McLeod had stolen Melton's vehicle during the robbery, which was later recovered by authorities. McLeod was held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond for the murder charge, while a $250,000 secured bond was set for the other charges. The case remains under investigation, with the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division leading the efforts to uncover further details and bring justice to Tyron Christopher Melton Jr. and his family.
