Marvin Strickland, a 19-year-old male from Maxton, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on September 28, 2019, due to a gunshot wound sustained at a party in Lumberton. The incident occurred at the Saddletree Community Center, located on Mt. Olive Church Road, just after midnight. According to reports, a fight broke out between two groups at the party, leading to the shooting.
Strickland was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was immediately transported to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the incident, with Sheriff Burnis Wilkins emphasizing the senseless nature of the murder and the reckless use of firearms by young individuals. Sheriff Wilkins stated that the authorities would pursue criminal charges against anyone involved in the altercations that led to Strickland's death. He urged anyone present at the scene, whether involved or not, to come forward with information.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the case remains unsolved. The Sheriff's Office has interviewed over 20 individuals and recovered multiple bullet casings from the scene, which were sent to the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory for testing. However, the lack of witnesses willing to provide information has made the investigation challenging. Major Damien McLean of the Robeson County Sheriff's Office described Strickland as an innocent bystander who was waiting in a car when the fight erupted and was struck by a stray bullet.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office continues to seek the public's help in solving the case, emphasizing the need for closure for Strickland's family. Sheriff Wilkins has expressed his determination to prevent the case from becoming a cold case and has highlighted the importance of community cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
