Clinton, North Carolina – Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward as they investigate a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of five individuals in a home linked to illegal drug sales. The victims have been identified as Alfonza Jeffers, 73, Dagoberto Lopez, 33, Lamar Williams, 58, Hector Salazar Lopez, 39, and Jamie Lynn Rowland, 47.
Sampson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Sheriff Jimmy Thornton described the incident as a targeted shooting related to drug activity. Despite having individuals of interest, no arrests have been made yet. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is offering the reward for any information that helps in solving the case.
The crime scene unfolded in a house off Garland Highway in Clinton, with one of the victims, Alfonza Jeffers, having owned the residence. According to a family member, the discovery of the deceased individuals occurred on Wednesday night, and the authorities have mentioned that this was one of four crime scenes in Sampson County within a span of less than 24 hours.
Officials revealed that this year has seen a significant rise in homicides, with eight reported so far compared to only three in the previous year. The sheer number of homicides in such a short period has sparked concerns among the community. Additionally, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.
The nature of the crime has left many in shock, with family members of the victims grappling with the tragic loss. Identifying the relationship between the victims and the 911 caller remains a priority for investigators. The presence of multiple crime scenes in a short time frame has raised questions about any potential connections between the incidents.
As law enforcement officials continue their investigation, community members are left shaken by the heinous act that devastated multiple families. The mass shooting in Sampson County joins a concerning trend of such incidents across North Carolina in recent years. The data paints a grim picture of the prevalence of mass murders, reflecting a broader issue that warrants attention and action.