Nash County Sheriff's Office

06/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Men Die Following Shooting Incident in Whitakers

WHITAKERS, N.C. — On Saturday, June 13, 2026, at approximately 9:55 a.m., the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Dollar General located at 211 S. White Street in Whitakers following reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures; however, the victim, identified as Herbert Earl Lawrence Jr., succumbed to his injuries.

While deputies were investigating the scene, a second victim was located nearby at the intersection of Nash and White Streets suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were also provided, but the victim, identified as Wilbert Silver III, died from his injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates the two individuals were involved in a heated altercation that escalated into an exchange of gunfire. Both men sustained fatal injuries as a result of the incident.

The shooting occurred at the Dollar General, and the investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

06/13/2026

Please avoid the Whitakers area at this time due to an active law enforcement crime scene.

There is no threat to the public, but deputies and investigators are actively working in the area. We ask motorists to avoid the area if possible and allow emergency personnel space to safely conduct their investigation.

06/12/2026

🚨 Scam Alert Reminder 🚨

Unfortunately, scammers are still successfully targeting and deceiving people in our communities every day.

Scammers sound convincing and may use real names, phone numbers, or agency information to appear legitimate. If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, or social media message, do not provide personal information or send money.

If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and contact the agency or business directly using a verified phone number.

Please help protect your family, friends, and neighbors by sharing this reminder. A few minutes of caution can prevent a costly mistake.

06/11/2026

Sheriff Stone would like to congratulate Terry Miller for his dedication to the SMI program for the state of NC. Wishing a smooth transition into the next chapter and congratulations on his well deserved retirement!

06/11/2026

Civil Jury Duty is cancelled for the week of June 15th. If you received a summons, you do not need to report.

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Today marks 15 years since Nash County Sheriff’s Investigator Warren “Sneak” Lewis III gave his life in service to others.

On June 9, 2011, Investigator Lewis was serving with the Eastern North Carolina Fugitive Task Force when he was fatally wounded while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect in Kinston. His dedication to protecting the public and bringing offenders to justice exemplified the courage and commitment he carried throughout his law enforcement career.

For more than nine years, Investigator Lewis faithfully served the citizens of Nash County. He was respected by his fellow deputies, valued as a friend, and cherished by his family. His sacrifice serves as a lasting reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in the line of duty.

Today, we honor Investigator Lewis’ service, sacrifice, and legacy. Please join us in remembering him and keeping his loved ones and all those who continue to carry his memory in your thoughts.

Gone, but never forgotten.

06/07/2026

Press Release Date/Time: 06/07/2026
Incident: Individual Arrested for Multiple Outstanding Warrants and Narcotics
Date: 06/04/2026
Location: 800 Block of Burton St. Rocky Mount, NC

Individual Arrested for Trafficking Co***ne and Multiple Outstanding Felony Warrants

On June 4, 2026, The Community Action Team (CAT) was conducting proactive patrol in the area of Burton St, Rocky Mount when a member witnessed Matthew Lee TAYLOR outside the residence in the 800 block of Burton St. Rocky Mount. Deputies were familiar with TAYLOR and confirmed that he had multiple outstanding felony warrants from Halifax County for various firearm and drug offenses.

CAT members approached TAYLOR and took him into custody without incident. During the arrest, TAYLOR attempted to discard approximately 53 grams of powder co***ne under a nearby vehicle as deputies approached. These narcotics were seized and confirmed to be powder co***ne.

A criminal records check showed that TAYLOR had 8 outstanding felony warrants, with a total of 19 felony charges, from Halifax County with full extradition from surrounding states.

TAYLOR was transported to the Nash County Magistrates Office and served with the following outstanding charges from Halifax County:
• (F) Possession of Firearm by Felon- 6 Counts
• (F) Trafficking in M**A • (F) PWISD MDMD
• (F) Possession of Schedule I CS – 2 Counts
• (F) Trafficking Co***ne • (F) PWISD Co***ne
• (F) Possession of Co***ne
• (F) Trafficking O***m or He**in
• (F) PWISD He**in
• (F) Possession of Schedule 2 CS
• (F) Maintain Dwelling / Vehicle for CS
• (F) Alter Remove Gun Serial Number – 2 Counts

TAYLOR was issued a $1,500,000 secured bond for the charges from Halifax County. His initial appearance will be on June 12, 2026 in Halifax County District Court.

TAYLOR was charged in Nash County for (F) Trafficking Co***ne for the narcotics seized during his arrest. He was issued a $100,000 secured bond and appeared in Nash County District Court on June 5, 2026.

He is currently being held in the Nash County Detention Center pending future court proceedings.

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office maintains a proactive approach in all divisions assigned to the office. Pro activity and hard work reduce the chances for individuals to commit crimes in our county and protects our citizens. Mr. TAYLOR admitted during his arrest that he had been “on the run” for approximately a year before our Community Action Team (CAT) happened to spot him while conducting traffic enforcement. We are committed to serving the citizens of Nash County and combatting Gangs, Guns, and Drugs.

06/06/2026

A joint investigation by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and Lumberton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Lumberton man after a missing woman was found deceased.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Nancy Ellen Lowery, 68, of Lumberton was reported missing by family members. Information obtained during the investigation led Detectives to an area near 7th Street Road, John Henry Lee Road, and Highway 41 North in Lumberton.

As the investigation progressed, Investigators located Lowery’s vehicle, which had been burned in a cemetery near Hwy 41 N. and Moore’s Ln, Lumberton.

Investigators arrested Anthony Ray McDonald, 37, of Lumberton after a foot pursuit near his residence.
McDonald has been charged with:

• First-Degree Murder
• First-Degree Kidnapping
• Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
• Arson
• Altering, Destroying, or Stealing Evidence

McDonald is currently being held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center.

“Nancy Lowery did not deserve to lose her life in such a tragic and senseless manner,” stated Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.

“Not the outcome we hoped for, and while nothing can undo the pain and heartbreak her family and friends are now facing, I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of the multiple law enforcement agencies that worked tirelessly to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion. On behalf of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of Nancy Lowery during this difficult time.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

The investigation is being led by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Divisions assisted with the investigation.

When agencies work together, communities are safer. Strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies play a vital role in protecting and serving our citizens. Great work by the Lumberton Police Department and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office for their teamwork in keeping their community safe.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100

06/05/2026

Leading by example, serving with purpose, and making a difference every day. Congratulations on continuing to lead the way and set the standard for School Resource Officers throughout state.

The Nash County Sheriff's Office is making sure SROs are well-rounded in case of a threat.