On the evening of Thursday, August 20, 2026, the life of 24-year-old Kiana T. Jones of Rowland, North Carolina, was tragically cut short by gun violence in Lumberton. Around 9:50 p.m., deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 100 block of Indian Heritage Road after receiving a report of a person being shot. Upon their arrival, they discovered Ms. Jones deceased inside a vehicle.
The initial investigation was quickly undertaken by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division, which began to piece together the events that led to the young woman's untimely death.
The investigation swiftly identified a suspect, and two days later, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, an arrest was made in connection with the fatal shooting. Cedrione K. McDowell, a 22-year-old from Lumberton, was taken into custody with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Fugitive Task Force. Investigators have charged McDowell with first-degree murder for the death of Kiana T. Jones. He also faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder related to another individual in the vehicle with Jones, Martev Gunter of St. Pauls, who was fortunately not injured during the incident. Additionally, McDowell has been charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle.
Following his arrest, Cedrione K. McDowell was being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. The case is being investigated by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide and Criminal Investigation divisions, who have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. While an arrest has been made and charges have been filed, the legal process is still in its early stages. The case against McDowell will proceed through the court system, where the evidence will be presented to determine the final outcome and whether justice for Kiana T. Jones will be served. At this time, there is no information available regarding a trial, conviction, or sentencing in this case.
