On December 13, 2023, at approximately 12:14 p.m., deputies and investigators from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting in the 14000 block of Highway 71 North in Shannon, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 22-year-old Jaheim Rochi Purdie, a resident of Lumberton, deceased at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
Following an investigation, on December 20, 2023, authorities arrested 20-year-old Rodney J.
Cade, also of Lumberton, charging him with manslaughter in connection with Purdie's death. Cade was taken into custody at the Robeson County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division led the investigation, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the Robeson County District Attorney’s Office. The Shannon Fire Department also responded to the initial incident. Authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or 910-671-3100.
Purdie was known for his love of hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and horses, and spending time with family. He is survived by his two children, Jakir and Aryya Purdie, among other family members.
