On September 25, 2023, 50-year-old Rondell Hammonds of Red Springs, North Carolina, was shot on Mt. Zion Church Road and later died at UNC Southeastern Medical Center. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 1:50 p.m.; Hammonds was found with a gunshot wound and later succumbed to his injuries.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office identified 20-year-old Jaiden Warren Locklear of Maxton as the primary suspect and issued a warrant charging him with first-degree murder. Locklear surrendered to investigators on September 28, 2023, and was held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division continues to investigate.

Known to family and friends as Rocking Ron, Hammonds was remembered as hard-working and loving. He was born February 26, 1972, and is survived by his mother, three sisters, a brother, and extended family. If anyone has information about the shooting or Hammonds’ final movements that afternoon, please come forward.