ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A welfare check conducted early Tuesday morning in Robeson County has led to a full death investigation after deputies discovered a man dead inside a home in the Shannon community. Authorities confirmed the case is being treated as a suspected homicide as investigators work to determine what led to the man’s death.
According to Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Lewis Farm Road after receiving a call requesting a welfare check. The call came in during the early morning hours, prompting deputies to respond quickly to the location to check on the well-being of the resident.
When deputies arrived at the home, they found a man unresponsive inside. Emergency responders were called, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as Robert Lee Taylor, Jr., 42. Officials said the discovery immediately raised concerns, and the scene was secured to allow investigators to begin their work.
Sheriff Wilkins said preliminary findings indicate that Taylor appears to have been shot. However, authorities have not released details about how many times he may have been shot or when the incident occurred. Investigators are working to establish a timeline and determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division and Criminal Investigations Division are jointly handling the case. Detectives are interviewing potential witnesses, collecting evidence from the scene, and reviewing any information that may help explain what happened. Officials said no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made at this time.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available. Anyone with information related to the death of Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100. Investigators say tips from the public could play a key role in helping them determine the facts and bring answers to the community.
