ROBESON COUNTY, NC – A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jawuan Thomas Baker in the Red Springs community, police confirmed on Tuesday. The teenager was taken into custody in Hope Mills, North Carolina, by the Red Springs Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The fatal shooting occurred in October along the 100 block of Grantham Street in Red Springs, a small town in Robeson County, located approximately 90 miles south of Raleigh. Officers responding to a 911 call reporting gunfire arrived at the scene and discovered Baker suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.

After a months-long investigation, detectives identified the 16-year-old suspect as a person of interest. However, due to his status as a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released his name or photograph.

On Tuesday afternoon, law enforcement located and arrested the teenager in Hope Mills, a town in Cumberland County, near Fayetteville, NC. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held in a juvenile detention center.

According to Red Springs Police Chief Sarah Purcell, the suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Robeson County juvenile court on Wednesday.

Details of the Investigation

While officials have not released a clear motive for the shooting, sources close to the case suggest that the incident may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the suspect and the victim. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots before seeing a vehicle speed away from the scene. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect was apprehended alone or if additional individuals are involved.

The Red Springs Police Department, in collaboration with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and state investigators, is continuing to gather evidence and conduct witness interviews to determine if there are any additional suspects.

Community Reaction and Victim’s Background

Family members and friends of Jawuan Thomas Baker have expressed grief and outrage over the shooting. According to his relatives, Baker was a kind-hearted, ambitious young man with dreams of starting his own business.

“Jawuan had so much ahead of him,” said Lisa Baker, his aunt. “He was working towards his goals and didn’t deserve this. Our family is completely devastated.”

Baker’s mother, Tracy Baker, stated that her son was known for his sense of humor and love of basketball and music.

“Losing a child to gun violence is something no mother should ever have to experience,” she said tearfully. “I just want justice for my son.”

Calls for Justice and Gun Violence Concerns in Robeson County

The tragic shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence among young people in Robeson County, which has seen an increase in firearm-related crimes over the past few years.

Local activists and community leaders have urged authorities to implement more initiatives to curb youth violence.

“We have to do better as a community,” said Rev. James Holloway, a local pastor and anti-violence advocate. “Our young people are losing their lives too soon. We need programs to keep them off the streets, and we need stronger consequences for those who commit these crimes.”

Law enforcement officials have echoed these concerns, stating that they remain committed to addressing gun violence and holding those responsible accountable.

“While we have made an arrest, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led up to this tragic event,” said Chief Purcell. “We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.”

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Because the suspect is a juvenile, his case will initially be handled in juvenile court. However, prosecutors may petition for the case to be transferred to adult court, depending on the severity of the charges.

North Carolina law allows juvenile offenders as young as 13 to be tried as adults in serious felony cases, including first-degree murder.

If convicted in juvenile court, the suspect could face incarceration in a juvenile detention facility until the age of 21. However, if the case is transferred to adult court, he could face significantly harsher penalties, including life in prison.

The suspect’s defense attorney has not released a public statement regarding his client’s legal strategy or potential plea.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are still working to determine whether any additional suspects were involved in Baker’s death. Surveillance footage from the neighborhood is being reviewed, and officers continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Individuals with details regarding the case can contact the Red Springs Police Department at (910) 843-3454 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

As the case unfolds, the community mourns another life lost to gun violence, and loved ones continue to seek justice for Jawuan Thomas Baker.