Laurinburg Shooting Incident: Mother Injured Shielding Child, Teen Suspect Sought – On the early morning of Sunday, March 16, 2025, a violent shooting in Laurinburg, North Carolina, left a 23-year-old mother injured and her 2-year-old child in critical condition. Authorities are now searching for 16-year-old Henry Anderson, who is wanted in connection with the crime. The tragic incident, which occurred in the 400 block of Hood Drive, has deeply shaken the local community, highlighting the growing concerns over gun violence and public safety.
The Laurinburg Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 12:50 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Chavonda Jones, 23, was found inside her vehicle, where she had been sitting when the shooting occurred. Jones was treated for her injuries at Scotland Memorial Hospital and later released. However, her 2-year-old child sustained severe injuries, requiring immediate airlifting to a nearby medical facility. The child remains in critical condition, and authorities are continuing to monitor their progress.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Jones and her child were sitting in their car when a red-colored vehicle approached them. A passenger inside the vehicle opened fire, shooting both the mother and her child. The gunfire also struck nearby apartments and the vehicle. The random nature of the shooting has left many in the neighborhood in disbelief, as it appears to have been an unprovoked attack. The shooting not only left the victims injured but also caused damage to nearby property, further expanding the incident’s impact.
After the attack, law enforcement was able to locate and recover the suspect vehicle, which had been abandoned. A subsequent investigation led to the identification of 16-year-old Henry Anderson as a suspect. Authorities have obtained warrants for Anderson’s arrest, charging him with two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder, three counts of Discharging a Firearm into Occupied Property, Discharging a Firearm in City Limits, and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor.
Anderson is considered armed and dangerous, and law enforcement is intensifying efforts to locate him. Due to the severity of the charges and the violent nature of the crime, authorities have issued a public alert, urging anyone who has information on Anderson’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. Individuals with information can reach out through various platforms, including the Crime Stoppers hotline at 910-266-8146 or the Scotland Crime Stoppers mobile app and website. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to Anderson’s capture.
The decision to release Anderson’s details to the public is in compliance with North Carolina General Statute 7B-3103, which permits the disclosure of certain juvenile offender information in cases involving serious violent crimes. This legal provision allows the public to be informed of the ongoing search and ensures that the community remains vigilant in reporting any leads.
As the investigation progresses, the Laurinburg Police Department continues to work in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to locate Anderson and bring him to justice. The community remains on edge, with the violent nature of the crime and the critical injury to a young child creating widespread concern. The emotional toll on the victims, especially Jones, who is now facing the pain of seeing her child in such a dire state, has left the entire community rallying behind them.
The shooting has also sparked broader conversations about the safety of children, gun violence, and the role of juvenile justice in addressing serious crimes committed by minors. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are hopeful that public cooperation will lead to crucial information that can help resolve the case. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community engagement in promoting public safety and ensuring that those responsible for such violent acts are held accountable.
The search for Henry Anderson continues, and the Laurinburg Police Department is committed to bringing him to justice. Updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community is urged to remain vigilant and support the victims as they recover from this traumatic event.