Early Release Disaster — Murder Convict Strikes Again

Ambulance driving through a brightly lit tunnel.

A repeat offender’s violent rampage reignites debate over lenient sentencing policies.

Story Snapshot

Cheyenne Woods, a repeat offender with a murder conviction, hijacks an ambulance.
Woods crashes into a vehicle, fatally shooting the driver, Marie Locklear.
Woods’ early release after serving only five years of a 13-year sentence raises concerns.
Robeson County Sheriff criticizes lenient policies for allowing violent offenders back on the streets.

Repeat Offender’s Rampage Highlights Systemic Failures

In Robeson County, North Carolina, the shocking incident involving 36-year-old Cheyenne Woods has brought to light the alarming consequences of lenient sentencing policies. Woods, who previously served only five years of a 13-year sentence for second-degree murder, allegedly hijacked an ambulance, crashed into a vehicle driven by 74-year-old Marie Locklear, and fatally shot her. This tragic event underscores systemic failures in the criminal justice system, where repeat offenders like Woods are released early, posing significant risks to public safety.

The swift and violent actions of Woods have left the community in shock and mourning. Marie Locklear, a non-involved motorist, tragically lost her life as a result of Woods’ reckless and violent behavior. According to reports, Woods, armed and dangerous, requested medical assistance only to exploit the situation by commandeering an ambulance and leading law enforcement on a dangerous chase. This sequence of events raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current parole and sentencing guidelines.

Criticism Mounts Against Lenient Policies

The incident has sparked a strong response from local authorities and the public alike. Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins has been vocal in his criticism, pointing to Woods’ prior murder conviction and his brief incarceration as key factors that should have kept him away from society. The Sheriff’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the adequacy of North Carolina’s structured sentencing system and the discretionary nature of habitual offender statutes. With Woods’ violent history, many argue that he should have faced harsher penalties much earlier, preventing such a tragedy.

Woods’ criminal history is a disturbing testament to the failures of the justice system. Starting with a 2008 robbery and homicide case, Woods was convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon. A separate 2010 homicide led to a second-degree murder conviction in 2017. Despite these serious charges, Woods was released in 2022, thanks to credits for time served and good behavior. The lack of a violent habitual enhancement in his record raises questions about prosecutorial decisions and the application of recidivist statutes.

A Call for Reform in Sentencing Laws

The tragic death of Marie Locklear has amplified calls for reform in sentencing laws, particularly concerning repeat violent offenders. The incident in Robeson County serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by early-release policies and the leniency afforded to habitual offenders. Critics argue for a more consistent application of the violent habitual felon statute to ensure that individuals with extensive violent histories face appropriate penalties.

As the case against Woods progresses, it is likely to fuel further debate and potentially influence legislative changes in North Carolina. The community and policymakers are urged to reevaluate the balance between rehabilitation and public safety, with an emphasis on preventing similar tragedies in the future.