On Saturday, May 24, 2025, at approximately 10:30 PM (2230 hours), deputies and detectives from Hoke County responded swiftly to a shooting reported in the 100 block of Payton Place. Hoke County Communications had received a call reporting an unresponsive male in the area.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male victim lying in the middle of the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived promptly and pronounced the victim, identified as Montague Baldwin, deceased at the scene.
Law enforcement immediately secured the area and launched a comprehensive homicide investigation. Crime scene investigators gathered evidence while detectives canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses and collected vital information.
The victim’s next of kin have been notified in accordance with protocol.
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement followed leads that resulted in the identification and subsequent arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in this fatal shooting. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and is currently facing charges related to the homicide.
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice in this case and encourages anyone with additional information to come forward. Community safety remains a top priority as detectives continue their work to bring closure to this tragic event.