On October 25, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Clinton, North Carolina, where five individuals were found shot to death in a residence on Garland Highway. Among the victims was 47-year-old Jamie Lynn Rowland, also known as Jamie Thompson, a resident of Clinton. The other victims included Alfonza Jeffers, 73, of Clinton; Dagoberto Lopez, 33, of Garland; Hector Salazar Lopez, 39, of Garland; and Lamar Williams, 58, of Rose Hill.
The Sampson County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call shortly after midnight, reporting multiple bodies inside the home. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victims in different rooms, each having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Sheriff Jimmy Thornton indicated that the residence was known for illegal drug activities and suggested that the murders were a targeted, drug-related shooting.
Nearly a year after the incident, significant developments emerged in the case. In October 2024, two Sampson County men were indicted on federal charges related to the murders. Robert Williams, 31, also known as "Double Tap Drew," and Derek George, 35, known as "Pete," were charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack, conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, Williams faced a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment alleges that Williams and George conspired to rob the occupants of the Garland Highway residence, leading to the discharge of a firearm and the resulting deaths of the five victims. If convicted, both men could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. A third individual was charged with illegal gun possession but is not currently facing charges related to the murders.
Sheriff Thornton emphasized the rarity and severity of such an incident in rural eastern North Carolina, noting that it sent shockwaves throughout the community. He praised the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as tips from concerned citizens, which were instrumental in leading to the arrests. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
