On October 15, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a drive-by shooting occurred at the ATEX Convenience Store on South Martin Luther King Drive in Lumberton, North Carolina. The assailants, traveling in a white four-door sedan, fired multiple shots, striking 23-year-old Ebony Spruill and 23-year-old Demarko Williams. Both victims were transported to UNC Health Southeastern with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Spruill succumbed to her injuries on October 16, 2023.
In the ensuing investigation, authorities arrested a 17-year-old male from Lumberton on October 20, 2023. The juvenile was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder and is currently held in a juvenile detention facility.
Subsequently, on October 25, 2023, 18-year-old Tyler Amir Young of Lumberton was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, discharge of a weapon into occupied property, discharge of a weapon into an occupied vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, injury to real property, and discharge of a firearm in city limits. Young is detained at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
The Lumberton Police Department continues to investigate the incident and anticipates additional arrests and charges. They urge anyone with information to contact Detectives Yvette Pitts or David Bullock at 910-671-3845.
Ebony Spruill, born on February 29, 2000, was a resident of Lumberton. She passed away on October 16, 2023, at UNC Southeastern Medical Center. Funeral services were entrusted to Colvin Funeral Home and Cremations.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Lumberton community, prompting discussions about gun violence and the safety of public spaces. Community leaders and organizations are advocating for increased awareness and preventive measures to address such incidents and support affected families.
