In the early hours of June 30, 2023, 55-year-old James Locklear Jr. of Maxton, North Carolina, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at an ATM. The incident occurred around 1:25 a.m. at the Credit Union ATM located in the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly off Patterson and Martin Luther King Drives. While withdrawing cash, Locklear was approached by assailants and shot in the stomach. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
The Maxton Police Department swiftly identified three suspects in connection with the crime: Ricky Braddy Jr., Crystal G. Scott, and Amanda Carol Deese. Scott was apprehended on the day of the incident, and Braddy was arrested the following day. Both were charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery with a dangerous weapon. Deese remained at large initially, with authorities considering her armed and dangerous and actively seeking her whereabouts.
Surveillance footage from the ATM's camera captured the robbery, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. The footage showed Locklear being confronted and subsequently shot by the assailants. The amount of money stolen during the robbery was not disclosed by the authorities. The community was urged to provide any information that could assist in locating Deese and furthering the investigation.
This tragic event underscores the dangers associated with late-night ATM withdrawals and has prompted local law enforcement to advise residents to exercise caution when conducting such transactions, especially during early morning hours. The Maxton community mourned the loss of Locklear, a resident whose life was abruptly taken in a senseless act of violence.
