On October 26, 2023, 39-year-old Hector Salazar López was among five people killed in a mass shooting at a residence on Garland Highway in Clinton, North Carolina. Deputies from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office found each victim with fatal gunshot wounds. The other victims were Alfonza Jeffers, 73, of Clinton; Lamar Williams, 58, of Rose Hill; Dagoberto López, 33, of Garland; and Jamie Lynn Rowland, 47, of Clinton.

Authorities described the attack as targeted and connected to illegal drug activity at the home. Community tips and multiagency cooperation produced major developments: by October 2024 two suspects had been indicted on charges tied to the killings and related drug and Hobbs Act offenses. If convicted, the indictments carried penalties up to life or death. Hector Salazar López was remembered as a devoted father and skilled woodworker who cherished his children and was known for his generosity and strong work ethic.

If anyone knew Hector or has information about the shooting, please come forward and share what you know.