5 people killed in shooting on Garland Highway outside Clinton in Sampson County

Early Thursday morning, five individuals were discovered fatally shot inside a residence in Sampson County. Authorities have initiated a homicide investigation.

A person acquainted with the victims entered the home to perform a wellness check and tragically found all five individuals had been victims of gun violence.

According to him, he had spoken to one of the victims at approximately 11 p.m. He then visited the residence at around 11:41, where he made the grim discovery and promptly alerted 911.

Shortly after midnight, officers reached the residence located off Garland Highway, a bit south of Clinton. The victims, comprising four men and one woman, have ages spanning from their 30s to 80s.

They come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, encompassing white, Black, and Hispanic individuals,” stated Police Captain Eric Pope during a press conference providing updates on the investigation.

Numerous family members have arrived, suspecting a potential connection to the victims. A woman present at the scene expressed her fear that a red truck parked in the driveway might belong to her husband, heightening concerns that he could be one of the victims inside.

Pope stated that as of now, officers have not determined the connections between the five victims or between the 911 caller and the victims. “This is an exceptionally uncommon situation,” he noted. “Incidents like this are profoundly distressing and draw widespread concern.

Around 4 a.m., a significant police presence, including deputies and SBI agents, was visible at the residence, which was cordoned off with yellow police tape.”

Channel3 NOW is actively seeking to uncover the identities of the five individuals and ascertain if law enforcement has identified a suspect.

If you possess any information pertaining to the shooting, please reach out to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.