Ronnie Lee Sampson, a 43-year-old male from Lumberton, NC, tragically lost his life on June 23, 2017. Sampson, who was employed with McNeills Roofing for eight years, was known for his dedication to his work, his passion for weightlifting, and his devotion to his family. On the day of his death, Sampson was working on the roof of a house located at 385 Odum Road in Lumberton when he was fatally shot.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a dispute over payment
for roofing work. Jonathan Brent Skipworth, a 54-year-old male from Greenville Drive in Lumberton, and his son, Nathaniel Logan Locklear, a 28-year-old male from Maxton, were both charged with first-degree murder in connection with Sampson's death. According to court records, Skipworth and Locklear were working for Sampson at the time of the incident. The dispute escalated when Skipworth left the job site, retrieved a .22 rifle from his home, and returned to the site to shoot Sampson while he was still on the roof.
Skipworth pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on May 24, 2022, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Locklear's case was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The tragic incident left a lasting impact on the community, as Sampson was remembered for his strong work ethic and his close relationships with family and friends.
