On April 8, 2024, at approximately 12:46 p.m., deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 900 block of Beam Road in Lumberton, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 33-year-old Brandigan L. Hunt deceased inside a vehicle, having sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators determined that the shooting occurred at 1038 Holly Swamp Church Road, with Hunt subsequently relocating to Beam Road, where he was found.
The investigation swiftly identified 20-year-old Chase Titus Locklear of Lumberton as the primary suspect. Locklear was apprehended on April 9, 2024, during a traffic stop on Highway 72 West. He was charged with first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle inflicting serious bodily injury, assault by pointing a gun, and communicating threats. Following his arrest, Locklear was held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
Born on March 3, 1991, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, Brandigan Lynn Hunt was known for his love of life, particularly enjoying basketball, fishing, and spending time with children. He was predeceased by his father, Ronnie Lee Sampson; his son, Braedyn Hunt; and the mother of his child, Tiffany Hunt. He is survived by his mother, Frances Kay Hunt, and stepfather, Jay Malloy; siblings Jayla Malloy, Kalem Sampson, and Blake Malloy; and his maternal grandfather, Paul Hunt. Funeral services were held on April 14, 2024, at Faith Assembly of God in St. Pauls, followed by interment at Lumbee Memorial Gardens.
The tragic death of Brandigan Hunt has deeply affected the Lumberton community, prompting calls for action against the rising tide of violent crime in the area. Community members, including Hunt's grandfather, have expressed frustration over the prevalence of violence and the perceived lack of effective intervention. As legal proceedings against Locklear continue, local authorities remain committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding this case, urging anyone with additional information to contact the Robeson County Sheriff's Office at 910-671-3170.
