A fatal shooting outside a grocery store in Scotland County has left one man dead and another facing first-degree murder charges. Authorities say the incident unfolded late Sunday night, sending shockwaves through the small North Carolina community.
Late-Night Violence Outside Laurel Hill Food Mart
Deputies with the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call just before midnight on Pate Street, where they discovered 55-year-old Allen Dean McKenzie lying beside his truck. He had suffered a gunshot wound and was in critical condition.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, McKenzie did not survive. His death has left friends and family devastated, as investigators work to piece together what led to the fatal altercation.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office wasted no time in identifying a suspect. Within hours, they arrested 60-year-old David Wendell Chavis of Laurinburg. He now faces first-degree murder charges in connection with McKenzie’s death.
Chavis was taken into custody on Monday, March 10, 2025. Authorities have not yet released details on what sparked the confrontation or whether the two men knew each other before the deadly encounter.
Community Reacts to Tragic Shooting
Residents of Scotland County were quick to express their shock and concern over the incident. Many described Laurel Hill Food Mart as a quiet, everyday stop for locals—certainly not a place where they expected to hear about deadly violence.
One local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “It’s scary to think this happened right here. You never expect something like this so close to home.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have yet to disclose whether any surveillance footage captured the shooting or if there were witnesses at the scene. Investigators are currently gathering evidence to build their case against Chavis.
Key aspects authorities are examining include:
- Motive behind the shooting
- Possible prior interactions between Chavis and McKenzie
- Any additional suspects or accomplices involved
Chavis is expected to make his first court appearance later this week. Legal experts say first-degree murder charges in North Carolina carry severe consequences, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
A Growing Concern for Public Safety?
While Scotland County is not known for frequent violent crimes, this incident has reignited conversations about safety and crime prevention in small communities. Law enforcement officials urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Officials have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to ensure justice is served. The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
