On December 19, 2023, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Laurinburg Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting at Harry O's Food Mart, located in the 17000 block of Old Lumberton Road in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 38-year-old Aiken Robert Purvis suffering from a gunshot wound. Purvis was immediately transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, authorities identified 42-year-old Roy Franklin Campbell of Laurinburg as the primary suspect. Warrants were issued for Campbell's arrest on charges of murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On December 20, 2023, Campbell surrendered to Laurinburg police and was subsequently taken into custody. He is currently being held without bond at the Scotland County Detention Center.
The relationship between Purvis and Campbell, as well as the motive behind the shooting, has not been publicly disclosed. The Laurinburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. They have urged anyone with additional information to contact them at 910-276-3211 or to reach out anonymously to Scotland Crimestoppers at 910-266-8146.
Aiken Purvis was born on May 18, 1985, and resided in Laurinburg. Funeral services were held on December 30, 2023, at The Kenneth M. Purcell Memorial Chapel, followed by interment at Hillside Memorial Park. He is remembered by family and friends, who gathered to honor his life and legacy.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Laurinburg community, prompting discussions about safety and the impact of violent crime in the area. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement to help prevent such incidents in the future.
