RED SPRINGS, NC (WBTW) – Family and friends at viewing today will honor a 5-year-old boy shot and killed in Robeson County.

The viewing for AJ Oxendine is at the L E Floyd Funeral Home Chapel from 2 to 7 p.m. in Red Springs, NC. His funeral will be tomorrow at the St. Joseph Miracle Revival Center, also in Red Springs.

The shooting happened Wednesday near Highway 72 in Red Springs. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office says the shooting was the result of a fight between two groups of people.

Oxendine was struck by a bullet while sitting inside the back seat of his mother’s car. His brother was also in the back seat at the time. 

The two groups had fought earlier during the day and agreed to meet at the location on Highway 72 west to fight again.

A family member sent this message to News13’s Briana Fernandez:

“AJ was a sweetheart. He was so kind and loving. He always carried a smile on his face and enjoyed every second life had to offer him. That’s how we will remember him! 💛”

Alva’s mother took him to the Red Springs Police station, where emergency crews performed CPR. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.