09/30/2026
Stepmother Pleads Guilty in Connection To Sara Graham Homicide
On September 30, 2026, Connie Graham pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder at a hearing in the Robeson County Courthouse in connection with the homicide of her stepdaughter 18-year-old Sara Nicole Graham.
Graham was last seen alive in February 2015 and reported "missing" at the time by family members, including Connie Graham.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office and FBI joint investigation into Sara's murder is ongoing.
The following people were charged in June in connection to the case and continue to face the below charges.
• Bobby Matthew McLellan- Lumberton, NC
Accessory after the fact
Felony Conspiracy
Alter/ Steal/Destroy criminal evidence
• Luke Locklear- Lumberton, NC
Alter/ Steal Destroy Criminal Evidence
Felony conspiracy
"Connie Graham's guilty plea is the next step towards justice for Sara and her relatives, specifically her mother. As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child, but what I can do is fully commit I will do everything I can as your Robeson County Sheriff to hold accountable anyone allegedly I involved in cutting Sara's life short. This was never a cold case, Sara was never forgotten, and we will keep powering ahead until we discover each and every act committed by those responsible for taking Sara from this community and her bright future." said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.
This conviction has been a long time coming,” said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.
“What I saw and heard today from Sara’s family members was absolutely heartbreaking. No family should ever have to hear the painful details of what their loved one endured.
“I hate that Sara had to experience what she did in her final moments, and I cannot imagine the pain her family felt today as they heard the facts surrounding her death. It was truly devastating.
“My heart and prayers remain with Sara’s family as they continue to carry a burden no family should ever have to bear. We will continue to seek answers, accountability, and ultimately, the recovery of Sara’s remains so her family can bring her home.
“While some may have believed this case had been forgotten or that we had given up, nothing could be further from the truth. A tremendous amount of time, effort and investigative work has taken place behind the scenes to help bring us to today’s plea.
“The collaboration between the FBI, homicide detectives, Cold Case Team investigators and the District Attorney’s Office has been outstanding. Our prayers continue for this family during this difficult time.”
The investigation has recently led sheriffs investigators to an area where evidence indicates Sara’s remains were disposed of in 2015. Specialized Search Team divers, along with anthropology specialists from North Carolina State University, the FBI, the Robeson County Fire Marshal’s Office, and other assisting agencies and personnel are actively involved in the ongoing search and recovery efforts.
This is a very deliberate and methodical process, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to locate Sara’s remains and return her to her family.
If you have any information concerning this investigation, please contact the Robeson County Sheriff's Office at (910) 671-3100 or the FBI's Charlotte Field Office at (704) 672-6100. You may also submit tips online at [email protected] or tips.fbi.gov
