On March 25, 2023, at approximately 7:44 p.m., deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting on Sonya Drive near Maxton, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 16-year-old Triston Dewayne "Troop" Chavis, a resident of Lumberton, deceased from a gunshot wound. The initial investigation indicated that Chavis had been fatally shot at the scene.
In the days following the incident, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of two 15-year-old juveniles from Maxton, who were acquaintances of Chavis. On April 4, 2023, both suspects were taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy. Due to their ages, the identities of the suspects were not publicly disclosed. They were subsequently held at the Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Chavis was remembered as a sports enthusiast who enjoyed football and baseball, riding his bike, and spending time with his family. He was a student at Purnell Swett High School and was known for his love of pit bull dogs and playing PlayStation games. His passing was mourned by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on April 1, 2023, at Mercy Bridge Holiness Church, followed by burial at White Oak Christian Fellowship Cemetery.
The investigation into Chavis's death was conducted by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division. Authorities urged anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Sheriff's Office at 910-671-3170 or 910-671-3100. The tragic incident highlighted concerns about juvenile involvement in violent crimes within the community.
