Community members and officials respond to Chadbourn shooting killing 7-year-old
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We’re learning more about a shooting in Columbus County that claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy.
WWAY spoke with community members and officials about the shooting and has new details.
“What is wrong? What is happening in Columbus County? Why aren’t we outraged,” Columbus County resident, teacher, and parent, Tracey Cartrette, said.
7-year-old Antonio Jamal Maultsby Jr. has been identified as the boy killed in a shooting this past Saturday night in Chadbourn.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, shots were fired just before 9 p.m. at a home on Braswell Rd.. Six people were listed as victims in the shooting, including Antontio and a 3-year-old.
On Wednesday, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office released a statement, which reads in part:
“Our hearts ache for the family and loved ones of Antonio. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said. “Our team has been working tirelessly on this case, and we will continue to pursue every lead until we find answers and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Tracey Cartrette is a Columbus County resident, teacher, and parent. WWAY reached out to her after seeing a post she shared to Facebook.
She said within the post, “at school, we teach students ‘see something, say something’ slogan. It’s time for the community as a whole to do the same.”
“It’s affected everybody, our students, their school, their community, Whiteville, Chadbourn, the whole surrounding county,” Cartrette said.
Columbus County Commissioner Scott Floyd said this should be a wakeup call.
“Losing a small child to gun violence is a devastating tragedy that shatters the families and the communities. It robs innocent lives of their potential dreams and chances to grow up,” Floyd said. “The impact goes far beyond the immediate loss. This highlights the urgent need for effective measures to prevent such senseless acts and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Cartrette added that not only are there other residents, parents, and teachers rallying together for a change—but students are too. She said Whiteville High School will be honoring Antonio Maultsby Jr.’s life later this week.
“We’re all wearing white in memory of him and we’re going to have a moment of silence and we’re planning to send some flowers to the school,” Cartrette said.
The sheriff’s office is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the shooter.
The names and conditions of the other people listed as victims in the shooting have not been released at this point. We will continue to keep you updated with more information as it becomes available.
