Lyn Ardell Bullard, a 22-year-old male from Maxton, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on January 8, 2018. Lyn, who was also known as "Pa," was found deceased near a pond on Kalyn Drive in Maxton. The investigation revealed that Lyn had been shot, and his body was discovered by members of the Robeson County Violent Crimes Task Force. Lyn was of Native American descent, and his untimely death left a significant impact on his family and community.
On the day of the incident, Lyn and
a 9-year-old child named Dakota Owens, who was also of Native American descent, had gone hunting together. They were last seen driving a black Ford Ranger pickup truck. Later that day, the truck was found burned in a wooded area behind Lakewood Drive, off Modest Road, approximately 4.5 miles south of where Lyn's body was discovered. The child was also found deceased in the truck.
Walter Woodrow Locklear, a 27-year-old male from Lakewood Drive in Maxton, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and burning of personal property. Locklear made his first court appearance in District Court shortly after his arrest. The investigation into Lyn's death was conducted by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office, Major Crimes Division detectives, and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents.
Lyn's death was a devastating loss for his family, including his parents, Cardell Bullard and Annette Locklear Bullard, and his daughter, Harmony Nicole Bullard. The community mourned the loss of both Lyn and Dakota, with funeral services held at Oxendine Elementary School Auditorium. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities.
