North Carolina Man Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of 7-Year-Old
North Carolina Man Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of 7-Year-Old
In a heartbreaking incident that has gripped the Maxton community, 31-year-old Dedric Page now faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the tragic shooting death of a young girl, Quazariya G. Williams. This shocking event unfolded on a Sunday afternoon, leaving the small town in rural Robeson County, North Carolina, grappling with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident stemmed from a dispute between Page and Quazariya’s mother, though specifics surrounding the argument have yet to be publicly disclosed. Authorities report that the altercation reached a devastating climax when Page allegedly opened fire on a car carrying the seven-year-old girl, her mother, and three others. The details surrounding the escalation to gunfire remain under investigation, with officers working to reconstruct the events leading to this fatal encounter.
The attack unfolded swiftly, with Page allegedly discharging multiple rounds into the vehicle in which Quazariya and her family members were seated. Law enforcement records confirm that the young girl sustained critical injuries in the assault. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene to transport her to Scotland Memorial Hospital, but despite efforts to save her, Quazariya succumbed to her injuries. Her tragic death has left a void in the lives of her family, and the community mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
Law enforcement officers acted promptly following the shooting, leading to Page's arrest within hours of the incident. He is now in custody at the Robeson County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. Alongside the first-degree murder charge, Page is facing multiple additional charges, including discharging a weapon into occupied property and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges underscore the severity of the alleged actions and the impact of the incident, which has reverberated across Maxton and beyond.
Robeson County, where the shooting took place, has long struggled with issues related to gun violence and crime. Data from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety highlights a troubling pattern of violence, particularly incidents involving firearms, in the county. According to state crime statistics, Robeson County reports one of the highest violent crime rates in North Carolina, with officials frequently working to curb the escalation of conflicts before they turn deadly. This case has amplified public calls for stronger intervention to prevent similar tragedies, especially those that impact vulnerable populations like children.
The charges against Page bring into focus the recurring issue of firearms being accessed and used by individuals with prior criminal histories. In North Carolina, it is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms, yet many communities continue to face challenges enforcing this regulation effectively. The possession of a firearm by a felon charge against Page highlights this ongoing issue, prompting renewed scrutiny on how prohibited individuals are able to acquire and wield guns despite legal restrictions.
Page's arrest and subsequent detention without bond reflect the gravity with which authorities are treating this case. In cases of first-degree murder, especially those involving children, North Carolina law permits severe sentencing options if the accused is found guilty, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The ongoing investigation aims to gather further evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and forensic analyses, to ensure justice is served for Quazariya and her grieving family.
As Maxton reels from this tragedy, the community has come together to support the family. Local leaders and residents are organizing vigils and remembrance services to honor Quazariya’s memory, while advocacy groups in North Carolina continue to press for stricter gun control measures to prevent similar tragedies. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with gun violence and the profound impact it has on communities, especially those who bear the brunt of recurrent incidents of violence.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public of a thorough investigation into Quazariya’s death, emphasizing their commitment to holding those responsible accountable. This heartbreaking loss has reverberated beyond the immediate family, igniting a sense of urgency among local advocates, residents, and policymakers alike who hope to address the root causes of violence and foster safer environments for families across North Carolina.
