Shortly after 1:20 a.m. on September 7, 2024, deputies responded to a reported shooting on Mt. Zion Church Road in Red Springs, North Carolina. Two men were found with gunshot wounds: 19-year-old James Lowery of Rowland and 21-year-old Charles Oxendine of Pembroke. Both were taken to hospitals; Lowery was transported to UNC Southeastern Medical Center and later died of his injuries. Oxendine received treatment at an undisclosed facility.

A 20-year-old man, James Isaac Hardin of Red Springs, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear. He is being held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is active and additional charges or arrests remain possible.

Lowery, known as J.B., was born November 17, 2004, and is survived by his mother Heather Chavis, grandmother Tammy Locklear, sisters Tamra and Tiffany Lowery, his daughter Ivory Reign Jones and the child’s mother Logan Jones, plus extended family and friends. Funeral services were held September 17, 2024, at Revels Funeral Home, with interment at Lowery Cemetery on Oak Grove Road. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or 910-671-3100.

Did anyone in the community know James J.B. or have information about the shooting?