Nylah Vereen, a 20-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed on August 26, 2018, in Lumberton, North Carolina. The incident occurred at the Dogwood Mobile Home Park on N.C. 211 East, where she lived with her boyfriend, Rockeiem Young, 21. Deputies responded to a call about two people being shot at around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Nylah Vereen dead from a gunshot wound to the head inside the home she shared with Young, who was also shot in the hand and leg.
The
investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated into violence. A neighbor, who witnessed the events, reported that the confrontation began outside and continued inside the home. Shortly after, multiple gunshots were heard, and Vereen was found deceased inside the residence. The neighbor also mentioned that Vereen's younger siblings witnessed the shooting.
Geronimo Jones, a 22-year-old African American man and neighbor of Vereen, was identified as the primary suspect. He turned himself in to authorities on September 27, 2018. Jones was charged with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm into occupied property, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and conspiracy. His mother, Judy Kay Lowery, 40, also turned herself in on August 29, 2018, and faced similar charges. Both Jones and Lowery were held without bail at the Robeson County Detention Center.
The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple individuals. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough investigation, and the community mourned the loss of Nylah Vereen, who was remembered as a kind and respectful person. The legal proceedings against Jones and Lowery continued as the authorities sought justice for Vereen's untimely death.
