RED SPRINGS, N.C.—A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 5-year-old boy who police in North Carolina say was caught in crossfire.
A Robeson County Sheriff’s Office release says 24-year-old Donovan Travale Locklear was arrested Friday and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Alva Paisley Oxendine Jr.
Oxendine was in the backseat of his mother’s car when he was struck by a bullet on June 5.
The 5-year-old was transported to a local hospital, but died from his injuries, according to authorities.
Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a fight between two groups that had fought earlier during the day and agreed to meet up at that location to fight a second time.
The groups involved 20 to 30 people. During the fight, Oxendine was struck by the bullet while sitting inside of his mother’s car. His brother was also in the rear seat of the vehicle, ABC11 reported.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said investigators are seeking evidence and other individuals from the fight that led to this unfortunate death.
Sheriff Wilkins stated, “This particular investigation has been personally troubling for investigators due to the age and cause of death of a child. While it took an extended time to interview everyone involved in this situation and to complete a fact-finding mission.”
Locklear’s bail was set at $500,000. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 671-3170 or (910) 671-3100.
NTD News staff contributed to this article.
