CLINTON, N.C. – Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for the shooting of five people at a home in Sampson County. The victims were identified as Alfonza Jeffers, 73, of Clinton; Dagoberto Lopez, 33, of Garland; Lamar Williams, 58, of Rose Hill; Hector Salazar Lopez, 39, of Garland; and Jamie Lynn Rowland, 47, of Clinton.
Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton stated that the shooting was drug-related and targeted. The incident occurred at a house off Garland Highway in Clinton, and the sheriff emphasized that the public has nothing to fear.
A family member of one of the victims disclosed to local news sources that the house belonged to his cousin, Alfonza Jeffers. The crime scene was one of four in Sampson County within a 24-hour period, resulting in seven deaths in total.
Sheriff Thornton mentioned that they have individuals of interest in connection to the case and assured the community that they are committed to solving the homicides. He also highlighted that this particular home was known as a drug house.
The Sheriff’s Office has reported a significant increase in homicides this year compared to the previous year – eight compared to three. The authorities urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragic incident adds to a rising trend of mass murders in North Carolina, raising concerns. According to data analysis, the state has seen three dozen deaths from mass murders in the last 10 years, underscoring the urgency of addressing this alarming trend. It’s crucial for law enforcement and the community to work together to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent such devastating acts of violence in the future.