On March 5, 2024, at about 10:58 p.m., deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office found 17-year-old Kaden Malachi Strickland of Pembroke deceased from an apparent gunshot wound near Downy Road outside Rowland, North Carolina. Kaden was a senior at Purnell Swett High School, enjoyed weightlifting, basketball and riding four-wheelers, and worked at Fuller's.

Investigators arrested another 17-year-old male, who is being held at the Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center on charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor; the suspect’s identity has been withheld because of his age. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate and has asked anyone with information to call 910-671-3170 or 910-671-3100.

Kaden is survived by his parents Taryn Brittany Chavis and Roderick Harris; siblings Liam Chavis, Braeleigh Chavis and Macie Harris; and grandparents Dorene Hardin, Terry Strickland and LaRonda McNeill. Funeral services were held March 10, 2024, at God’s Holy Assembly Church. If anyone knew Kaden or has information about the shooting, please contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.