Shooting At Harnett County Birthday Party Leaves Woman Dead

HARNETT COUNTY – A 40-year-old woman was shot and killed early Sunday during an altercation at a birthday party, according to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded at 3:59 a.m. to a reported shooting on Murchison Lane near Lillington.

When deputies arrived, they found Justina Nichole Hodges, 40, of Lillington, inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Bystanders were providing first aid.

Harnett County EMS personnel arrived and continued life-saving efforts, but Hodges died at the scene.

Sheriff Wayne Coats said a preliminary investigation indicates a birthday party with 20 or more people was underway at the residence when a physical altercation broke out among several attendees.

Hodges was shot during the altercation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies had been called to the same residence earlier in the morning.

At approximately 1:17 a.m., deputies responded to a loud music complaint at the address and spoke with people attending the gathering.

The Sheriff’s Office has not announced any arrests or identified a suspected shooter.

The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are asking anyone who attended the party or has information about the shooting to contact the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Tips can be provided by calling the Harnett County Tip Line at 910-893-0300 or the Detective Division at 910-893-0140.