On September 26, 2023, 13-year-old Edgar Salinas González, a seventh-grade student at St. Pauls Middle School, was fatally shot in his home on Lapaz Drive in Red Springs, North Carolina. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting around 9:16 p.m., finding Edgar deceased upon arrival.
Family members indicated that the incident occurred during a gathering at their residence.
Edgar's sister, Jennifer Chavez, discovered him lying on the floor in his room and immediately contacted authorities. She described her brother as a sweet soul who loved sports and believed the shooting was accidental, stating, "They were playing around."
The Public Schools of Robeson County expressed deep condolences, noting that extra counselors were provided at St. Pauls Middle School to support students and staff. The district requested the community's prayers for Edgar's family, teachers, classmates, and school as they navigated this time of loss.
As of the latest available information, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations and Juvenile Divisions are actively investigating the case. No arrests have been reported, and authorities are determining whether any charges should be filed. Community members with information are urged to contact the Sheriff's Office at (910) 671-3100 or (910) 671-3170.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with Edgar's funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support for his grieving family.
Edgar is survived by his parents, Juan Salinas-Batres and Isidra González Molina, and his siblings, Jennifer, Jaqueline, Ariana, and Juan Antonio. A funeral mass was held on September 30, 2023, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Red Springs.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the community continues to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of Edgar's untimely death.
