LUMBERTON, N.C. — Police in Lumberton have arrested a man in connection with the October murder of 34-year-old Justin Keith Whitted. Officers apprehended Tauris Agzene Cabbagestalk around 2:15 p.m. Thursday, marking a major breakthrough in the case that has gripped the local community.
Cabbagestalk faces charges of first-degree murder, along with discharging a firearm within city limits and injury to personal property. Following his arrest, he was placed in the Robeson County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.
The incident occurred near the intersection of North Carolina Highway 211 and Saddletree Road on October 26, shortly before 4 p.m. Whitted was fatally shot in what authorities described as a targeted attack.
The Lumberton Police Department expressed their gratitude towards the community, whose anonymous tips greatly assisted the investigators. They also thanked the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office for their role in facilitating the arrest of Cabbagestalk.
According to officials, the quick and nondisruptive nature of Cabbagestalk’s arrest reflects the efficiency and dedication of the police work involved. This closure comes as a relief to Whitted’s family and the wider Lumberton area, which has been anxious for answers since the crime occurred.
As the judicial process moves forward, the community and local authorities are hopeful for justice. The case has not only brought to light issues surrounding firearm misuse in the area but also highlighted the crucial role of community involvement in solving crimes.
While the arrest marks significant progress, the investigation into Whitted’s murder continues. Police are still piecing together the detailed circumstances that led to the tragic shooting and are evaluating evidence collected at the scene.
As Cabbagestalk awaits his trial, the impact of this case resonates throughout Robeson County, prompting discussions on community safety and the strategies necessary to prevent such crimes in the future.
It remains crucial for community members to stay engaged and report any suspicious activity, reinforcing the collaboration between the public and law enforcement that proved essential in this recent arrest. Such cooperative efforts are key to maintaining safety and preventing violence in communities across the state.