Rylan Strickland Death and Obituary: Rylan Strickland, aged 17, was fatally shot during a Christmas gathering in Pembroke; an arrest has been made regarding the suspect.

 Rylan Strickland Death and Obituary – Rylan A. Strickland, a 17-year-old from Pembroke, North Carolina, sadly passed away due to a shooting that occurred early on the morning of December 26, 2025. This tragic event has left the local community in shock and has prompted an ongoing murder investigation by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities report that the shooting took place around 12:20 a.m. at a Christmas gathering held in the 1500 block of Canal Road, situated to the south of Pembroke. Deputies were sent to the location after alerts came in regarding a person being shot. When law enforcement arrived, they found Strickland deceased at the scene. Emergency medical personnel verified that he had died from his wounds before he could be taken for medical assistance.

Friends and family have described Rylan Strickland as a young man with a bright future, whose life ended far too soon. As word of his passing spread, the community of Pembroke expressed their sorrow and anger, particularly because the incident occurred during a time that is usually filled with joy and celebration. Vigils and memorials began to emerge on social media, with numerous community members advocating for justice and calling for an end to gun violence impacting the youth.

After an extensive inquiry, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office reported the apprehension of an individual linked to the shooting. On the morning of December 27, 2025, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence along the same block of Canal Road where the shooting took place. During this operation, Kaiden S. Demery, an 18-year-old resident of Pembroke, was arrested without any issues.

Demery has been officially charged with first-degree murder in connection to Strickland’s death. Authorities have indicated that he is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without the possibility of bail. Given the seriousness of the charge, Demery is expected to appear in court soon, where the subsequent legal steps will be addressed.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted collaboratively by the Homicide and Juvenile Divisions of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are actively interviewing witnesses, examining evidence collected from the crime scene, and figuring out the events that resulted in the tragic shooting. Officials have not yet provided information on any potential motive or whether other suspects may also be charged.

Law enforcement is appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or possesses related information to step forward. The public is encouraged to reach out to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100. Authorities stress that the cooperation of the community is vital for ensuring accountability and helping Strickland’s family find closure.

As the community of Pembroke grieves the loss of Rylan A. Strickland, his death stands as a heart-wrenching reminder of the severe impacts of violence and the critical need for community initiatives to safeguard young lives.