Sylvester Lee Wilburn, a 28-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 18, 2018, in Rockingham, North Carolina. The incident occurred at a residence on Maner Road, where Wilburn was found inside the home with gunshot wounds. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The violent shooting also left a female victim, 23-year-old Erica Denise Kendall, injured with a gunshot wound to her lower leg.
Kendall and Wilburn were in a relationship, and she expressed her grief over his death in a heartfelt Facebook post.
The suspect in the case, Christopher Maurice Easterling, a 25-year-old male from McColl, South Carolina, was found in the front yard of the residence, also suffering from a gunshot wound. He was airlifted to a hospital where he recovered. Easterling was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple felony counts, including murder, attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree burglary. He also faced misdemeanor charges of assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats, assault on a female, and interfering in emergency communication. Easterling was not given a bond and remained in the Richmond County Jail awaiting his court date.
The family and friends of Sylvester Lee Wilburn held a candlelight vigil on the one-year anniversary of his death, remembering him as a loving father, son, brother, cousin, and friend. The vigil served as an opportunity for the community to come together, vent their grief, and search for ways to stop senseless gun violence. Wilburn's mother, Linda Hough, emphasized the need for young people to put down guns and resolve conflicts peacefully. The family also announced the creation of a scholarship fund in Wilburn's honor for single fathers between the ages of 18 and 27 who wish to return to school.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, seeking justice for Sylvester Lee Wilburn and his loved ones.
