Mass Shooting Roils Robeson County, Which Has Seen a Big Drop in Homicides
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting that left two people dead and 11 injured.
Columbus County jail beating results in $975,000 settlement
The 2022 assault raised concerns about safety and supervision under former Sheriff Jody Greene. But the jail has continued to have problems, according to state inspection reports.
Domestic violence organizations in the Border Belt brace for federal cuts
Families First and the Southeastern Family Violence Center say they are already hurting from funding cuts. More could be on the way.
Judge orders Columbus County sheriff to release additional records
The ongoing legal dispute would give The Assembly and Border Belt Independent access to important public records about former sheriff Jody Greene.
Youth violence rattles Scotland County as leaders call for unity
The Scotland County Stop the Violence Community Coalition hosted a forum to address youth violence following a fatal shooting.
Judge hears arguments in case alleging St. Andrews University mishandled rape investigation
A judge heard oral arguments in a case alleging that St. Andrews University in NC mishandled a rape investigation.
Columbus County deputy involved in Taplin case previously resigned over assault charges
A Columbus County sheriff’s currently under investigation for use of force previously resigned after he was charged with assault.
More Public Safety Coverage
Robeson County bridge honors Highway Patrol trooper killed in 1964
A new bridge on N.C. 130 over I-95 honors James H. Marshburn, an N.C. Highway Patrol trooper who was killed in the line of duty.
Robeson County saw fewer murders in 2024, unofficial tally shows
Robeson County saw a significant drop in reported murders in 2024 after experiencing what might have been a record high the prior year.
Suspect pleads guilty six years after 13-year-old girl’s murder in Robeson County
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org The man accused of kidnapping and killing 13-year-old Hania Aguilar in Robeson County in 2018 pleaded guilty on Friday, according to local District Attorney Matt Scott and Lumberton police. Michael McLellan, 40, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to first-degree murder, the…
Parents question schools after Bladen County bus driver accused of multiple sex crimes
By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Some Bladen County parents say the school district should have done more to protect students from a school bus driver who is accused of sexually assaulting several young girls. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on April 10 after a student told a school employee she was sexually assaulted by…
Whiteville’s new gunshot sensors have been rejected by some other cities
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org When the small southeastern North Carolina town of Whiteville decided to install sensors to detect gunshots, the police chief said the devices would allow officers to respond more quickly to emergencies and ease residents’ fears. But some other law enforcement agencies that have turned to the technology quickly abandoned it. Flock…
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