On September 25, 2023, 50-year-old Rondell Hammonds of Red Springs, North Carolina, was fatally shot on Mt. Zion Church Road. Responding to reports of a shooting around 1:50 p.m., deputies found Hammonds suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to UNC Southeastern Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office identified 20-year-old Jaiden Warren Locklear of Maxton as the primary suspect in Hammonds' death.
At the time of the incident, Locklear was out on bond for a previous attempted murder charge. Authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on first-degree murder charges.
On September 28, 2023, Locklear surrendered to Robeson County Sheriff's Office investigators. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hammonds' death and is being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division continues to investigate the case.
Hammonds, affectionately known as "Rocking Ron," was remembered for his hard-working nature, loving demeanor, and heart of gold. Born on February 26, 1972, he was 51 years old at the time of his passing. He is survived by his mother, three sisters, a brother, and numerous extended family members. Funeral services were held on October 1, 2023, at Boles Funeral Home Chapel in Red Springs, followed by burial at Welcome Holiness Church in Shannon.
