On the night of May 5, 2023, 36-year-old Elbert Brown Alford was found dead from a gunshot wound on Rice Road in Lumberton, North Carolina. Robeson County Sheriff’s deputies responded at about 10:37 p.m. after reports of a shooting. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced in connection with Alford’s death.

Earlier that same evening, another fatal shooting occurred on Parnell Road near Lumberton that killed 27-year-old Donald Williams; authorities did not indicate any connection between the two incidents. Alford is survived by his children Kimora R. Alford and Omaury B. Hunt Alford, his mother, siblings, and extended family. A celebration of his life was held May 15, 2023, at Worley Mortuary & Cremation Service in Fairmont.

Anyone with information about what happened on Rice Road the night of May 5 is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.