Reward Increased for Information in Fatal Sampson County Shooting

MOUNT OLIVE – The reward for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a North Carolina mother has been increased, officials announced this week. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Jessica Lee Ann Register of Mount Olive, was killed on March 18.

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, has increased the reward to $7,500 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Register’s death. This case is being investigated as one of potentially 11 gang-related shootings that have occurred across Sampson and Duplin counties in recent months.

Register was found deceased in her vehicle on March 18. While the initial investigation has focused on her death, authorities believe it may be connected to a pattern of violence attributed to gang activity in the region. The proximity of the incidents across two adjacent counties has prompted a coordinated law enforcement response.

Sheriff Jimmy E. Thornton of Sampson County stated that the investigation is ongoing and that law enforcement is committed to bringing those responsible to justice. He urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The increase in the reward is intended to encourage public cooperation.

Duplin County Sheriff Conrad L. Worley echoed Thornton’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the two agencies. Worley noted that gang activity poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the communities they serve and that intelligence sharing and joint operations are crucial in combating this issue.

The Sheriff’s Offices are requesting that anyone with information regarding Jessica Register’s death or any of the other suspected gang-related incidents contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141 or the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150. Callers can remain anonymous.