Jaleel Tyquan Sinclair, a 20-year-old man from Fairmont, North Carolina, was fatally shot during the early morning hours of July 4, 2026, in Pembroke. The gunfire erupted as the community was celebrating Lumbee Homecoming, an annual gathering that had brought large numbers of residents and visitors into the area.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., Pembroke police officers were dispatched to the 300 and 400 blocks of West Third Street following reports of a shooting. The location was near the Maxway store and across the street from one of the sites being used for Lumbee Homecoming activities. Investigators said their preliminary findings indicated that an altercation developed in the area and escalated into gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found Sinclair and another person suffering from gunshot wounds. Sinclair was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but he later died from his injuries.
The second victim, identified as 25-year-old Kyanna Oxendine of Shannon, was seriously wounded and airlifted to a regional trauma center. Authorities did not immediately release an update concerning her condition.
The shooting prompted a joint investigation involving the Pembroke Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives began processing the scene, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and attempting to determine what caused the confrontation and who fired the shots. Despite the violence occurring near Lumbee Homecoming activities, the remainder of the celebration reportedly continued without further incident and concluded later that Saturday.
No suspect has been publicly identified, and authorities have not announced any arrests or criminal charges in connection with Sinclair’s death. Investigators have also not disclosed whether the victims knew the person responsible or whether either victim was specifically targeted. The case remains active as detectives continue to pursue available evidence and leads.
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the altercation or shooting, was in the area at the time, or captured photographs or video to come forward. Information can be provided to Detective Roy Locklear or Detective Todd Rigsbee of the Pembroke Police Department at 910-521-4333.
