Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 2

Charlotte Mom Allegedly Held Knife to DSS Worker’s Neck During Court-Ordered Custody Transfer

Charlotte mother holds knife to DSS worker’s neck

A 20-year-old Charlotte mother, Shaniya Moore, has been charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official or Employee after allegedly pulling a knife on a Department of Social Services (DSS) worker during a child custody transfer, according to court documents.

The incident unfolded on April 3, 2025, around 5:19 p.m. at Moore’s residence on 1223 Effingham Road in Charlotte. DSS employee Donna Davis, accompanied by colleague Shakella Pharr, was executing a court order to take custody of Moore’s two children.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the DSS employees had already picked up one of Moore’s children from a daycare and were at Moore’s residence to retrieve the second child when Moore unexpectedly appeared and began yelling and searching her vehicle for what appeared to be a weapon.

Davis told investigators that Moore retrieved a black pocketknife with a long blade from her purse and charged at the DSS vehicle, placing the open knife close to Davis’ face and neck while demanding her child be returned. Moore allegedly then reached into the DSS vehicle, unbuckled the child from a car seat, and fled the scene in a white Dodge Challenger with North Carolina plates.

Shaniya Moore, a 20-year-old Charlotte resident, is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening a Department of Social Services worker with a knife during a court-ordered custody transfer.
Shaniya Moore, a 20-year-old Charlotte resident, is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening a Department of Social Services worker with a knife during a court-ordered custody transfer.

Pharr corroborated Davis’s account, confirming Moore’s aggressive actions and the presence of a weapon.

Charlotte Man Charged with Rape and Assault After Allegedly Dragging Woman into Shed

Moore bonded out of jail last Thursday, April 17.

“Click here for more North Carolina News“.

BLACK MARINES TARGETED? Shocking New Rule Could Discharge Black Marines Over Razor Bumps

0

Black Marines razor bumps policy

A recent policy change by the U.S. Marine Corps is under fire after critics raised concerns about potential racial disparities in grooming regulations. The updated directive permits the administrative separation of Marines suffering from pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)—commonly referred to as razor bumps—if the condition does not resolve after a year of documented treatment.

PFB is a chronic skin condition caused by ingrown hairs, typically as a result of shaving. It is especially prevalent among Black men, due to their tightly curled hair texture. In military settings, where daily shaving is mandatory, the condition can become severe and lead to painful bumps, scarring, and long-term skin damage.

What Is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is recognized medically as a common dermatological condition that affects people who shave regularly—particularly those with coarse or curly hair. Symptoms include inflammation, razor bumps, and scarring from hair re-entering the skin post-shaving. The American Academy of Dermatology has long noted the higher incidence of PFB among African American men.

Details of the Updated U.S. Marine Corps Policy

As outlined in a March 2025 update, the Marine Corps now enforces a four-step medical intervention plan for those diagnosed with PFB:

  1. Initial Rest Period – A four-week cessation from shaving to allow inflammation and bumps to heal.

  2. Intermediate Treatment Phase – An extension of four to eight weeks with potential use of depilatory agents for more severe cases.

  3. Ongoing Evaluation – Continued non-shaving treatment protocols and dermatological oversight.

  4. Advanced Intervention – Referral to a specialist for possible government-funded laser hair removal.

If a Marine still requires a shaving waiver after one year, they could be deemed “incompatible with service” and subject to administrative separation.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), also known as razor bumps, is a painful and chronic skin condition caused by ingrown hairs after shaving.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), also known as razor bumps, is a painful and chronic skin condition caused by ingrown hairs after shaving.

Racial Equity Concerns in the Ranks

The policy’s critics say it could function as a backdoor discharge tool for Black Marines, noting a stark racial disparity in who suffers from PFB. Although Black service members make up around 15% to 16% of the military, they represent roughly 66% of all PFB shaving waivers.

An active-duty military dermatologist cautioned:

“While this policy technically applies to everyone, the vast majority of those affected—and facing career-ending separation—are Black. That’s where the racial discriminatory impact comes in.”

“Click here for more North Carolina News“.

UNC Student Busted After Allegedly Breaking Into Dorm to Steal Granola Bars

0

UNC-Chapel Hill student charged for break-in

A 19-year-old student from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is facing a series of criminal charges after allegedly breaking into student apartments at North Carolina State University in Raleigh and stealing food while residents were asleep.

According to arrest warrants, Luke Matthew Wilkinson, a first-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill, is accused of unlawfully entering two apartments at University Towers on Friendly Drive around 3 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Luke Matthew Wilkinson, a 19-year-old UNC-Chapel Hill student, was arrested and charged with burglary, larceny, and underage drinking after a reported break-in at NC State dorms where he allegedly stole granola bars.
Luke Matthew Wilkinson, a 19-year-old UNC-Chapel Hill student, was arrested and charged with burglary, larceny, and underage drinking after a reported break-in at NC State dorms where he allegedly stole granola bars.

Authorities say Wilkinson allegedly stole two granola bars from one of the units, where female students were inside asleep at the time. The incident has raised serious concerns about student safety in the off-campus housing complex, which accommodates nearly 900 students.

Multiple Charges Filed

Wilkinson is facing a slew of charges, including:

  • First-degree burglary

  • Second-degree burglary

  • Larceny after breaking and entering

  • Possession or manufacture of a fraudulent ID

  • Resisting a public officer

  • Underage alcohol consumption

He was released on a $30,000 secured bond and is expected to appear in Wake County Court on May 8.

Over 5 Million Borrowers Targeted: Trump Resumes Harsh Student Loan Collections

0

Trump student loan wage garnishment

The Trump administration has announced it will resume wage garnishment for millions of Americans who are in default on their federal student loans, according to The Associated Press. The U.S. Department of Education confirmed that starting May 5, 2025, the federal government will restart involuntary debt collection efforts—including garnishing wages, seizing tax refunds, and withholding federal benefits—after more than four years of pandemic-era relief.

The U.S. Department of Education will restart aggressive collection efforts—including wage garnishment and tax refund seizures—for defaulted student loans on May 5, 2025, as directed by the Trump administration.
The U.S. Department of Education will restart aggressive collection efforts—including wage garnishment and tax refund seizures—for defaulted student loans on May 5, 2025, as directed by the Trump administration.

According to federal data, roughly 5.3 million borrowers are currently in default. Under federal law, a loan enters default when payments have not been made for 270 consecutive days. Default status can lead to long-term damage to credit scores and trigger aggressive collection tactics.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the administration’s decision, stating that prior relief measures—particularly those under President Joe Bidenhad “gone too far.” McMahon cited the need to restore “legal and fiscally responsible management” of the federal student loan system. Under Biden’s administration, over $183 billion in student loan debt was forgiven for more than 5 million borrowers, a move that the Trump administration and conservative lawmakers have harshly criticized.

The resumption of garnishments follows the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision to strike down Biden’s broader student loan forgiveness plan. Borrowers now have 30 days from the May 5 start date to either get current on their payments or pursue options to prevent garnishment.

With fewer than 40% of federal student loan borrowers currently up to date on their payments, experts warn that the policy could trigger widespread financial distress. Borrowers are urged to explore available alternatives such as loan rehabilitation, income-driven repayment plans, or consolidation to avoid falling victim to collections.

Shannon Sharpe Fires Back at Rape Lawsuit, Calls Claims “Blackmail Attempt” and Reveals Explicit Texts

Shannon Sharpe Fires Back at Rape Lawsuit, Calls Claims “Blackmail Attempt” and Reveals Explicit Texts

NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe is pushing back forcefully against a civil lawsuit filed by Gabriella Zuniga, who accuses him of sexual assault, coercion, and emotional abuse. In a fiery statement released by his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe denies all allegations and labels the suit “a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.”

The lawsuit, which was filed this month in Nevada, alleges a pattern of sexual misconduct and non-consensual behavior throughout a relationship that began in 2023 when Zuniga was 19 years old. But Sharpe’s legal team says the claims are false and part of a calculated blackmail scheme.

Shannon Sharpe Sued For Sexual Assault in Nevada Civil Lawsuit, Plaintiff Seeks $50 Million in Damages

To support his defense, Sharpe’s attorney released a series of graphic and explicit text messages allegedly sent by Zuniga, which he claims demonstrate a consensual and sexually charged relationship. The texts, many of which contain graphic sexual requests, suggest that Zuniga was a willing participant and often initiated intimate interactions.

“I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f***ing me,” Zuniga wrote in one message dated October 7, 2023.

In another, dated January 1, 2025, she allegedly messaged Sharpe saying, “I know u miss this big juicy a*s.. $25k for each cheek.”

Sharpe’s legal team argues that the sexual nature of the relationship continued until January 2, 2025—just one day after that message. The former NFL star believes the entire lawsuit is based on a manipulated and out-of-context video that Zuniga secretly recorded, which she has allegedly refused to turn over in its unedited form.

“We believe the video has been heavily edited and taken entirely out of context, crafted to falsely portray a consensual act as non-consensual,” Davis said in the statement.

Further text messages released by Sharpe’s team include:

  • “Only if you put that baby gravy in me, then I can do whatever I want to me.” — November 23, 2023

  • “I wanna put my tongue in your a**hole and then marry u.” — January 12, 2024

  • “You better crave it cuz ur gonna be stuck with it 4 life after you put a big black baby in me.” — August 11, 2024

Sharpe and his legal counsel claim the edited recording was shown to him as part of an extortion effort led by Zuniga and her attorney, high-profile Texas litigator Tony Buzbee. Davis called the lawsuit “filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations” and stated that Sharpe will not be intimidated or coerced into a settlement.

“Mr. Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct — especially the gross lie of ‘rape’ — and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail,” the statement continued.

Shannon Sharpe Fires Back at Rape Lawsuit, Calls Claims "Blackmail Attempt" and Reveals Explicit Texts

Sharpe, 56, is a former NFL tight end and current sports commentator with a podcast called “Shay Shay.” 

Raleigh Man Accused of Cutting Out Dog’s Intestines Charged with Felony Animal Cruelty

0

A Raleigh man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he violently mutilated a dog earlier this month.

According to court documents, 59-year-old Joseph Andrew Clark, of Dusty Road in Raleigh, was arrested on April 18, 2025, and charged with felony animal cruelty. The allegations stem from an incident that occurred on April 2, 2025, when Clark allegedly threw a knife at a dog before holding it down and cutting out the animal’s intestines.

Joseph Andrew Clark, a 59-year-old Raleigh resident, was arrested on April 18, 2025, and charged with felony animal cruelty.

The disturbing details were outlined in an arrest warrant filed by Wake County authorities.

Clark was taken into custody but later released from the Wake County Jail after posting a $30,000 secured bond on the same day of his arrest. He made his first court appearance on Monday. His next court date is scheduled for May 12, 2025.

As a condition of his release, Clark is prohibited from having any animals in or around his residence.

Shannon Sharpe Sued For Sexual Assault in Nevada Civil Lawsuit, Plaintiff Seeks $50 Million in Damages

NFL Hall of Famer and popular ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe is facing serious legal trouble after a civil lawsuit was filed against him in Clark County, Nevada, on Sunday. The plaintiff, listed as “Jane Doe” to protect her identity, alleges that Sharpe sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions during a relationship that spanned nearly two years, beginning in 2023 when she was 19 and Sharpe was 56.

According to court documents, the woman accuses Sharpe of maintaining control over her time, body, and decisions throughout the relationship. The complaint specifically details two alleged sexual assaults: one in October 2024 and another in January 2025, both of which allegedly occurred in Las Vegas. In both incidents, Doe claims Sharpe ignored her verbal requests to stop.

Adding to the severity of the allegations, the lawsuit also accuses Sharpe of secretly recording their sexual encounters and distributing the footage without her permission. One particularly damaging claim references an incident in 2024 when Sharpe accidentally livestreamed a sexual act on Instagram — an event that allegedly caused emotional distress and contributed to the eventual breakdown of their relationship.

Jane Doe is being represented by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee. In a public statement, Buzbee praised his client’s courage:

“It takes a great deal of strength to stand up against individuals with power, influence, and resources. We are committed to seeking justice on her behalf.”

At this time, Sharpe has not issued any public response to the lawsuit. He appeared on ESPN’s First Take as scheduled Monday morning, without any reference to the allegations during the broadcast.

Shannon Sharpe is a former NFL tight end, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and ESPN personality.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case. The lawsuit remains a civil matter and will proceed through the court system to determine whether Sharpe is liable and, if so, the amount of damages owed to the plaintiff.

The new allegations come as Sharpe has faced increased public scrutiny in recent years. In 2023, his Los Angeles home was burglarized, with thieves reportedly stealing over $1 million worth of valuables. He also drew headlines for the widely shared Instagram Live incident mentioned in the lawsuit.

North Carolina Man Jailed for Grooming Welsh Teen Online and Attempting to ‘Marry’ Her​

0

Hubert man jailed for grooming Welsh girl

A man from Hubert, North Carolina, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after flying to Wales with the intention of marrying a teenage girl he had groomed online, according to BBC.com.

Jacob Ewing, 44, initiated contact with the 15-year-old girl from Gwent, Wales, through a random video chat website. Posing as a “paedophile hunter” and a Christian, he manipulated the teenager over several months, coercing her into performing degrading acts on camera and exerting control over her daily life. Ewing’s behavior included instructing her on what to wear and monitoring her sleep via webcam.

As the girl approached her 16th birthday, Ewing traveled to the UK, bringing with him wedding rings, a knife, a wooden cosh, and electronic devices containing indecent images, including one of a baby being raped. He was intercepted at Cardiff Airport by UK Border Force officers, acting on intelligence from U.S. authorities.

At Newport Crown Court, Ewing pleaded guilty to 13 offenses, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Judge Celia Hughes sentenced him to seven years and eight months in prison. The judge noted Ewing’s lack of remorse and his attempts to portray himself as a victim.

Jacob Ewing, 44, of Hubert, NC, posed as a “paedophile hunter” to groom a Welsh teen online, later flying to the UK with weapons and indecent images. He’s now jailed.

The victim’s personal statement revealed the psychological toll of the abuse, including sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and lasting fear. Her mother also described the family’s devastation and the ongoing stress resulting from Ewing’s actions.

Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell of Gwent Police commended the victim’s courage and the collaborative efforts between U.S. and UK agencies that led to Ewing’s arrest.

“Click here for more North Carolina News“.

Multiple Dead in Durham Crash Following Shootout and High-Speed Chase

1

A tragic series of events happened in Durham County Sunday evening, leaving multiple people dead after a high-speed crash that followed a reported exchange of gunfire between two vehicles.

According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. to the area near the 8200 block of Ball Road after receiving reports that individuals inside two separate vehicles were firing shots at one another.

A deputy responding to the call soon spotted the suspect vehicles traveling north along Roxboro Street. When an attempt was made to initiate a traffic stop, both vehicles reportedly sped off at a high rate of speed.

Durham Police Investigating Fatal Shooting of 22-Year-Old John Edward Riggins II in Hope Valley Neighborhood

Moments later, while searching for the fleeing suspects, the deputy came upon a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision near Roxboro Street and Latta Road. The crash involved at least three vehicles, including a black SUV with major front-end damage and another car that appeared completely demolished.

Several individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, though the exact number of fatalities has not been disclosed. Officials say they are withholding the identities of the victims until their families can be notified.

The second vehicle connected to the initial gunfire incident has not yet been located, and the individuals inside that car remain at large.

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office has launched an active investigation and is urging anyone with information about the shooting or the crash to come forward.

North Carolina Man Accused in $346K Embezzlement Scheme Dies by Suicide After Jail Release

0

North Carolina Man Accused in $346K Embezzlement Scheme Dies by Suicide After Jail Release

A 62-year-old North Carolina man who was recently arrested in connection to a $346,000 embezzlement and elder exploitation scheme has died by suicide just one day after being released from jail.

Michael Scott Dixon, of Walstonburg, North Carolina, was found dead Thursday morning after fatally shooting himself at his home, according to Greene County Sheriff Matt Sasser. Dixon had posted a $200,000 secured bond and was released from the Pitt County Jail on Wednesday.

Michael Dixon embezzlement suicide

Michael Scott Dixon
Michael Scott Dixon

Dixon and his wife, 58-year-old Sandra Dixon, were both arrested and charged with embezzlement of over $100,000, exploitation of a disabled or elderly adult, and felony conspiracy. The charges stem from a disturbing 2023 case involving 70-year-old cancer patient Clifton Powers, who died in October 2024.

Sandra Dixon
Sandra Dixon

Alleged Financial Manipulation During Illness

Authorities say that Clifton Powers and his late wife initially sought help from the Dixons while he was undergoing treatment for cancer. Following the death of Powers’ wife, the Dixons allegedly took advantage of his vulnerable state. Investigators say they convinced Powers to sign several legal documents — granting them power of attorney, naming them as sole beneficiaries in his will, and transferring the deed of his home into their names.

Medical professionals reportedly encouraged Powers to seek legal advice, and he was ultimately able to revoke the Dixons’ control over his affairs. However, after Powers passed away on October 24, 2024, law enforcement claims the Dixons made no effort to settle his estate and instead proceeded to sell his home, keeping the proceeds.

Sandra Dixon Also Released on Bond

Sandra Dixon was arrested earlier this week and, like her husband, released on a $200,000 bond. She is expected to face trial on the same charges.

Sheriff Sasser confirmed that the investigation into the case remains ongoing, with additional legal proceedings anticipated as authorities work to unravel the full scope of the alleged financial abuse.

Star Bar in Raleigh Liquor License SUSPENDED After String of Violent Incidents, Including Shooting Involving Rapper OMB Peezy

0

The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) division has suspended the liquor license of Star Bar, a nightclub located at 1731 Trawick Road, following a recent shooting and a troubling pattern of violence.

Shooting Outside Star Bar Linked to Rapper OMB Peezy

The most recent incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, when shots were fired in the Star Bar parking lot. According to the Raleigh Police Department, multiple vehicles were damaged, including a van belonging to rapper OMB Peezy. No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.

OMB Peezy, born LeParis Dade, is a rapper from Mobile, Alabama, now based in Sacramento, California.
OMB Peezy, born LeParis Dade, is a rapper from Mobile, Alabama, now based in Sacramento, California.

Pattern of Violence and Law Enforcement Response

The shooting adds to a growing list of violent events at the club. Between April 2024 and April 2025, Raleigh police responded to 93 calls for service at the establishment — 17 of those involving violence.

This isn’t the first time Star Bar has come under scrutiny. In 2020, the nightclub’s liquor license was suspended following multiple shootings and stabbings near the property. That license was later reinstated in May 2021 and renewed as recently as April 2024.

ALE Official Statement

ALE Director Bryan House confirmed the suspension, stating,

“During the suspension, it is illegal to sell or serve alcohol at this establishment. We hope this suspension will prevent future violence and have a positive impact on the surrounding community.”

Click here for more North Carolina News.

Daqavion Jackson Arrested in Greenville Shooting That Injured Two Children While They Slept

0

Daqavion Jackson Arrested in Greenville Shooting That Injured Two Children While They Slept

A 19-year-old Greenville man, Daqavion Jermaine Jackson, has been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbing early-morning shooting that left two children injured while they slept inside their home.

The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, in the 900 block of Masters Lane. According to the Greenville Police Department, multiple gunshots were fired from outside the residence, striking a 7-year-old boy in the ankle and grazing a 12-year-old boy. Both children were asleep in the home at the time and thankfully suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

FBI Issues Warrant for Greenville Man Accused in Murder of 24-Year-Old Traeon Williams

Police launched an immediate investigation, and through their efforts, Jackson was identified as the suspected shooter. He was arrested after officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Benjamin Drive in Pitt County, where the firearm believed to be used in the shooting was recovered.

Jackson now faces a long list of serious charges:

  • Four counts of attempted murder

  • Three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill

  • One count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury

  • One count of shooting into an occupied dwelling

Daqavion Jermaine Jackson, 19, of Greenville, NC.
Daqavion Jermaine Jackson, 19, of Greenville, NC.

He is currently being held on a $4 million secured bond.

Click here for more North Carolina News.

Durham Police Investigating Fatal Shooting of 22-Year-Old John Edward Riggins II in Hope Valley Neighborhood

1

John Edward Riggins II found shot dead in Durham car

John Edward Riggins II found shot dead in Durham car, Durham police have launched a homicide investigation following the tragic shooting death of 22-year-old John Edward Riggins II, who was discovered inside a vehicle Monday night in the upscale Hope Valley community.

On April 14, 2025, shortly before 9 p.m., officers responded to a report of gunfire in the area of Courtland Drive and Brighton Road. Upon arrival, they found Riggins inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene. According to our research, Riggins lived on Courtland Drive.

John Edward Riggins II, 22, was tragically shot and killed in Durham’s Hope Valley neighborhood.
John Edward Riggins II, 22, was tragically shot and killed in Durham’s Hope Valley neighborhood.

The shooting took place in the Hope Valley neighborhood, a quiet residential area near the Hope Valley Country Club, known for its serene environment and family-friendly atmosphere. Several neighbors reported hearing what sounded like fireworks just before police arrived. 

As of now, no suspects have been identified or taken into custody. 

“Click here for more North Carolina News“.

Former Boyfriend Arrested After Body Of Missing Fayetteville Woman Annie Lock Found In Robeson County

0

Former Boyfriend Arrested After Body Of Missing Fayetteville Woman Annie Lock Found In Robeson County

The months-long search for 27-year-old Annie Lock has ended in tragedy with the discovery of her remains and the arrest of her former boyfriend, 26-year-old Tyrique Zavier Leroy Williams. He now faces charges of first-degree murder and concealment of death in connection with her disappearance and death.

Annie Lock was a 27-year-old woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, reported missing in October 2024.
Annie Lock was a 27-year-old woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, reported missing in October 2024.

Lock was last seen on August 17, 2024, near Kiana Lane in Fayetteville. Her family reported her missing on October 10, 2024, after growing suspicious that Williams, who had claimed to report her missing, never actually filed a police report. Their suspicions intensified when Williams married another woman shortly after Lock vanished.

Fayetteville Woman Missing Since August Found Dead in Robeson County Pond

On April 13, 2025, human remains were discovered in a pond near NC 71 Highway and Buie Philadelphus Road in Red Springs, Robeson County. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains were those of Annie Lock.

Williams, a Private First Class undergoing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, was taken into custody by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division on April 16. He is currently being held at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center in Waynesville, Missouri, pending extradition to North Carolina.

Tyrique Zavier Leroy Williams, 26, a Fort Leonard Wood Army trainee, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend Annie Lock after her body was discovered in Robeson County, North Carolina.
Tyrique Zavier Leroy Williams, 26, a Fort Leonard Wood Army trainee, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend Annie Lock after her body was discovered in Robeson County, North Carolina.

Lock’s mother, Tanya Whitehead, shared the heartbreaking detail that her daughter was five weeks pregnant at the time of her disappearance. Lock and Williams shared a home and had a one-year-old daughter together.

The Fayetteville Police Department, in collaboration with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, is continuing its investigation into the circumstances of Lock’s death.

Click here for more North Carolina News.

Students Protest Over NCCU Housing Conditions Leads to Arrests and Demands for Reform

0

A student-led protest at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on Wednesday turned tense after law enforcement intervened, resulting in five arrests. The demonstration was organized to raise awareness about deteriorating on-campus housing conditions, including mold infestations, pest issues, and aging infrastructure that many students say have gone unaddressed for years.

Chants for Change: “No Housing, No Peace”

Hundreds of students marched across campus, chanting slogans like “we need housing” and “no housing, no peace” as they gathered to voice frustrations about the university’s failure to provide safe, affordable housing. First-year student Waverly Hill shared her experience:

“A lot of our dorms currently have mold in them. They’re very old and haven’t been renovated in a really long time.”

Arrests Spark Outrage Among Students and Faculty

The peaceful protest took a turn when NCCU campus police detained five individuals, including adjunct history professor Daniel Atwood, according to WRAL News. The university later released a statement calling the protest an “unauthorized rally,” and confirmed that three of those arrested were not affiliated with the institution.

Charges filed include second-degree trespassing, resisting a public officer, and failure to disperse. The arrests have since drawn criticism from students and faculty, many of whom argue that the university should be listening to concerns rather than criminalizing them.

University Administration Responds

In a campus-wide message issued after the protest, NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon addressed the unrest directly, stating, “We hear you.” Dixon explained that university leadership was in Raleigh at the time of the protest, advocating for more than $100 million in state funding to upgrade university residence halls and academic buildings.

“We are actively working to bring long-term solutions to NCCU,” Dixon said.

A Growing Campus with Growing Pains

While NCCU opened three new residence halls in 2022, housing remains a pressing issue. In August 2024, the university welcomed its largest incoming class in 15 years—1,918 first-year students, 296 transfers, and 18 second-degree students—straining existing residential resources.

Former Mecklenburg County Judge Caught With Coke, Alcohol in Car During Traffic Stop

A former Mecklenburg County Superior Court judge, Charles “Casey” Viser, was arrested early Monday morning after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police discovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia during a routine traffic stop on Highway 74.

According to official reports, officers pulled over 53-year-old Viser for allegedly displaying a fictitious license plate on his black Mercedes SUV. During the stop, law enforcement officers reportedly noticed an open container of alcohol on the passenger-side floorboard and searched the vehicle.

The search uncovered approximately 0.2 grams of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine, along with a straw bearing white residue found near the center console. Officers also discovered an empty jar with similar residue inside Viser’s pocket.

Viser was taken into custody and charged with felony cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail and later released after posting a $2,500 bond. He appeared before a judge on Tuesday and was appointed a public defender. His next court appearance is set for May 2.

Viser, a once-prominent legal figure, was originally appointed to judicial roles by then-Governor Pat McCrory in 2013 and 2015. He later secured an eight-year term on the bench in the 2020 election. However, he unexpectedly resigned in July 2022, less than halfway through his term.