On October 26, 2023, at approximately 3:39 a.m., deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a weapons violation in the Stanton Road area of Maxton, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 17-year-old Conner S. Chavis deceased at the scene. Chavis was a senior at Purnell Swett High School, and his untimely death prompted an outpouring of grief from the community.
The Public Schools of Robeson County expressed deep condolences, noting the provision of extra counselors at the school to support students and staff during this difficult time.
In the course of the investigation, authorities arrested a 17-year-old male from Maxton, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with Chavis's death. Due to his juvenile status, the suspect's identity has not been publicly disclosed. Officials indicated that the juvenile would face additional charges following his initial court appearance.
Further inquiries revealed that, prior to the fatal shooting, two homes and a vehicle in the vicinity had been struck by gunfire. This led to the arrest of three additional individuals: 19-year-old Tru Lowery of Lumberton, 23-year-old Jeremiah Chavis of Pembroke, and a 15-year-old from Lumberton. Each was charged with two counts of felony conspiracy and two counts of discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling. The juveniles were placed in the custody of the Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center without bond, while Lowery and Jeremiah Chavis were held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide and Criminal Investigations Divisions continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 910-671-3170. The tragic death of Conner Chavis has left a profound impact on the Maxton community, as friends, family, and classmates mourn the loss of a young life with a promising future.
