Following a deadly shooting incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, the Robeson County community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Rylan Strickland, who was found dead at the scene in the 1500 block of Canal Road outside Pembroke.
Deputies from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a person shot shortly after 12:20 a.m., arriving to discover Strickland suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency personnel, he was pronounced deceased on site by medical authorities.
The rural stretch of Canal Road, a two-lane county route flanked by pine thickets, open fields, and scattered homes, was quickly secured as a crime scene, with homicide investigators, crime scene technicians, and forensic teams working through the predawn darkness to document evidence and collect statements. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins initially confirmed the active investigation, noting that additional details would be released as the inquiry progressed, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities approached this case involving a young victim.
The arrest came swiftly on Friday, December 26, 2025, when 18-year-old Kaiden Demery of Pembroke was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Strickland’s death. Demery is currently being held without bond in the Robeson County Detention Center as the investigation continues under the direction of the Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Juvenile Divisions.
The rapid development of charges reflects the thorough initial response by deputies, who worked to secure witness accounts, physical evidence, and any available surveillance material in the hours following the incident. The quiet residential area where the shooting occurred, typically known for its peaceful nights and families, was transformed by the presence of law enforcement vehicles and crime scene tape, prompting neighbors to reflect on the sudden intrusion of violence into their everyday surroundings.
Rylan Strickland, at only 17 years of age, had reached an age filled with the promise and possibility that define late adolescence. He stood on the threshold of adulthood, with dreams and plans that likely included completing high school, exploring future opportunities, and continuing to grow within the supportive network of family and community that surrounds young people in Robeson County.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office continues its thorough investigation, working to gather all relevant evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in cases of this nature, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in achieving justice.
The swift arrest of Kaiden Demery demonstrates the commitment of local law enforcement to respond decisively to violent crime, while the ongoing nature of the inquiry reflects the careful, methodical approach required to ensure accuracy and fairness. As details emerge, the focus remains on providing answers to Strickland’s grieving family and restoring a sense of safety to the neighborhood affected by this tragedy.
In tribute to Rylan Strickland, the Robeson County community honors a life well lived—one filled with the quiet promise of youth, the warmth of family ties, and the potential that every 17-year-old carries into the world. Though his time was tragically brief, the memory of his presence will endure in the hearts of those who knew him, serving as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of protecting young people in every corner of the community. May the strength of shared support surround his family during this time of sorrow, while the ongoing pursuit of justice offers a measure of comfort and hope for healing in the days ahead.
