Authorities in Robeson County, North Carolina, are actively investigating the homicide of Ernie Locklear, a 65-year-old man from Maxton who was found unresponsive on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. Deputies responded to the 2700 block of Morrison Road in Maxton at approximately 2:40 p.m. following reports of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, law enforcement located Locklear at the scene and immediately transported him to UNC Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton, located in neighboring Scotland County. Despite medical intervention, Locklear succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Locklear’s death are particularly tragic in their ordinariness. According to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, Locklear was engaged in routine farm work at the time of the incident, working on a farm tractor when he was fatally attacked.
Sheriff Wilkins characterized the incident as “a deeply disturbing and senseless act,” emphasizing that Locklear “was tragically killed while simply minding his own business, working on a farm tractor—a task that should have been routine and safe.” The violent nature of the attack stands in stark contrast to the mundane agricultural work Locklear was performing.
The official determination of homicide came following an autopsy conducted by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, April 17, 2026. Preliminary findings from the autopsy established that Locklear’s death was officially ruled a homicide, confirming law enforcement’s initial assessment of the incident.
The autopsy results provided crucial evidence that transformed the case from a death investigation into an active homicide investigation. However, the specific cause of death and details of how Locklear was killed have not been released to the public at this time.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division and Criminal Investigation Division are actively pursuing leads in the case. As of the latest available information, no suspect has been identified or arrested in connection with Locklear’s death. The motive for the killing remains unknown, and investigators are working to piece together the events that led to the fatal attack. Sheriff Wilkins has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case, noting that even small pieces of information could prove crucial to the investigation.
Law enforcement is actively seeking information from the public regarding the homicide. Sheriff Wilkins issued a public appeal, stating that “Your information could be the key to bringing justice, closure to this family, and peace to the community.”
Anyone with information about the incident, regardless of how minor it may seem, is encouraged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100. The department has emphasized that all information will be treated seriously and could potentially lead to the identification and apprehension of the person responsible for Locklear’s death.
The homicide of Ernie Locklear has shocked the Maxton community and raised concerns about safety in the rural Robeson County area. The senseless nature of the killing—targeting a man simply going about his daily work—has resonated deeply with residents.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing closure to Locklear’s family and the community. The case underscores the unpredictable nature of violent crime and the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.