On September 11, 2024, at approximately 5:03 a.m., Lumberton Police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the back parking lot of the Ramada by Wyndham hotel, located at 3030 Roberts Avenue in Lumberton, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 22-year-old Knowledge McNeill, a resident of Lumberton, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into McNeill's death is ongoing, with the Lumberton Police Department leading the case, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed any information regarding potential suspects or arrests related to the homicide. They have urged anyone with information to contact Lumberton Police Detective David Williford at 910-671-3845.
McNeill's death is particularly notable given his prior involvement in a serious criminal case. In August 2022, he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Quadrique R. Butler in Lumberton. At that time, McNeill faced multiple charges, including breaking and entering, robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon within an enclosed area to incite fear, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Despite his previous arrest, McNeill was not incarcerated at the time of his death. Details regarding the resolution of the charges against him remain unclear, as public records do not provide information on the outcome of his 2022 arrest. The circumstances surrounding his release and subsequent death are currently under investigation.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid in solving McNeill's murder. Community members with any knowledge of the incident are encouraged to come forward to assist law enforcement in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
