Federal agents say a rash of 11 gun attacks in Duplin and Sampson counties is no coincidence, with multiple homes sprayed by bullets and an innocent bystander killed in the crossfire. The shootings, which began in mid-May, have triggered a coordinated investigation that now includes local police, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and federal authorities. Investigators say the pattern appears gang-related and are pressing residents to come forward with any tips.
ATF Links Cases And Puts Cash On The Table
In a June 2 news release, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the string of crimes is connected and put up a $5,000 reward for information, according to reporting by The Charlotte Observer. ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones warned in the release, “This level of violence is escalating, and we’re at a critical point where we need to find those responsible.” The agency is asking anyone with information to call 1-888-283-8477 or email [email protected].
Where Bullets Have Hit Homes
Local officials say shooters have targeted homes in Warsaw, Wallace and Beulaville, with gunfire reported at about 2 a.m. on May 16 and May 17 and at least five occupied residences struck by May 27, as reported by the Duplin Journal. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the Wallace, Warsaw and Beulaville police departments are working with the N.C. SBI to determine how the cases fit together. Local chiefs say the shootings appear targeted rather than random.
One Woman Killed In Sampson County
In neighboring Sampson County, deputies say 59-year-old Turkey resident Annie Jane Faison died after a round pierced her home on May 20. Investigators later linked that shooting to the Duplin incidents, the Sampson Independent reports. Chief Deputy Marcus Smith said Sampson and Duplin investigators coordinated evidence collection and increased patrols over the Memorial Day weekend while they worked leads. Authorities have not announced any arrests.
Investigators Say Every Tip Counts
The ATF has repeated that tips can be submitted anonymously to 1-888-283-8477 or [email protected] and that a $5,000 reward is on the table for information that leads to an arrest, per The Charlotte Observer. Local officials are asking residents to call the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150 for incidents in that county and to use the Sampson Sheriff’s Citizens Connect tip line at 910-564-5261 for Sampson cases, according to local reporting. Investigators say even small details such as suspicious vehicles, unfamiliar callers or social media posts that seem connected could help tie suspects to specific scenes.
What Might Be Driving The Violence
The N.C. SBI has indicated there may be a drug element involved and that potential gang ties are on the radar, an SBI spokesperson told the Duplin Journal. Local police say they are keeping investigative leads close as they pursue ballistic tracing and other forensic work. For now, community leaders are urging vigilance and cooperation, hoping that residents will help cut through the silence and bring the shooting spree to an end.
