New Photo and Reward Increased in Lumberton Road Rage Murder

Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in the homicide investigation that occurred in the area of exit 22 on I95 South, Lumberton on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at approximately 11:40 am.

Investigators have identified the suspect’s vehicle from surveillance footage and are seeking additional footage. The vehicle is a silver four (4) door Chevrolet Malibu with North Carolina license plates. The vehicle has tinted windows and chrome trimming around the window frame. The suspect is described as an African American male with dreadlocks.

Anyone who has a business or resides in the areas of N. Elm Street, 16th Avenue, E. 5th Street, Alamac Rd., and South of Lumberton is asked to review their surveillance system for the vehicle in the photograph. Investigators are seeking footage during the time frame of 11:40 am to 12:30 pm on March 25, 2021.

On March 25, 2021, Lumberton Police, Robeson County Sheriff’s Deputies, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troopers, and EMS arrived to find Julie Eberly, 47 of Mannheim Pennsylvania suffering from a gunshot wound. J. Eberly was shot through the passenger door. Her husband, Ryan Eberly was not injured. Immediate assistance was rendered until being transported to UNC Southeastern where she later died.

The investigation has revealed a road rage encounter unknowingly developed after the victim’s vehicle came close to the suspect vehicle during a merge into a lane. The suspect’s vehicle then came alongside the victim’s passenger side. The suspect rolled down his window and fired multiple shots into the passenger door, one of which struck Julie Eberly. Witnesses stated the suspect sped off and exited at Exit 22, crossing over the bridge coming into Lumberton. The victim’s vehicle pulled over on I95 awaiting assistance.

Since Friday, March 26, 2021, local residents that wish to remain anonymous have presented the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office with $20,000 in rewards for information leading to probable cause for the issuance of warrants and the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of Julie Eberly.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins stated “We are going to aggressively track down the driver of this vehicle. Detectives have worked nonstop 24/7 to identify this coward. If you know who it is and who owns this car, come forward NOW. Do not become part of a conspiracy and call us NOW”.

Sheriff’s Investigators are asking that anyone with information pertaining to this investigation, please call the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170 or email sheriff@robesoncoso.org.