Alfonza Jeffers, a 73-year-old resident of Clinton, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on October 26, 2023, in a horrific mass shooting incident that claimed the lives of five individuals. The shooting occurred at a residence located in the 10300 block of Garland Highway in Sampson County.
The victims, found in different rooms of the house, included Jeffers along with Dagoberto Lopez (33), Hector Salazar Lopez (39), Lamar Williams (58), and Jamie Lynn Rowland (also known as Jamie
Thompson, 47). The Sampson County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene at approximately 12:41 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from an individual who had last communicated with one of the residents around 11 p.m. the previous evening.
Initially, law enforcement officials considered the shooting to be a targeted attack. The house where the incident occurred had been on the radar of the Sampson County Sheriff's Office for potential drug-related activities prior to the murders. This tragic event sent shockwaves through the community, as it was unprecedented in the county's history.
After a year-long investigation, on October 23, 2024, law enforcement officials announced significant developments in the case. Two Sampson County men, Robert Andrew Daquan Williams (31, also known as "Double Tap," Drew, and TTG) and Derek George (35), were indicted for the murders. The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in August 2024.
Williams and George face multiple charges, including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack), conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Williams is additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation revealed that the murders were likely connected to a robbery attempt targeting drugs and drug proceeds at the house. U.S. Attorney Michael Easley Jr. emphasized that the case was aided by tips from concerned citizens, highlighting the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes.
If convicted, both Williams and George could potentially face the death penalty. The suspects are scheduled for arraignment in December 2024. A third individual, whose name was not released, has been charged with illegal gun possession but is not currently facing charges related to the murders.
This case represents a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals believed to be contributing to violence in the community. The arrests came after extensive investigative work, with law enforcement working on the case daily despite initial challenges in making progress.
