On March 31, 2024, at approximately 7:23 p.m., Greensboro police and fire departments responded to a reported shooting in the 2300 block of Floyd Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 51-year-old Bobby Lee Locke, Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Locke was pronounced dead at the scene.
Locke, born on July 5, 1972, in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a graduate of Olympic High School's Class of 1990.
He briefly attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and served honorably in the United States Army during the Iraq War until his discharge in 2006. Known for his sense of humor and community involvement, Locke was remembered for his love of music, yard work, and automobiles. He is survived by his parents, son Michael McMahon, granddaughter Aliyah McMahon, and other family members.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested 38-year-old Darius Jose Hemsley in connection with Locke's death. Hemsley was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. This incident marked Greensboro's 12th homicide of 2024.
Funeral services for Locke were held on April 9, 2024, at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro, followed by interment at Salisbury National Cemetery. The community mourned his passing, lighting 185 candles in his memory on an online gun violence memorial.
