News Briefs for February 26, 2025
Ervin Hakim Johnson was murdered, according to the State Bureau of Investigation. Johnson’s body was found Feb. 18 near his home, five days after his mother reported him missing.
Firefighters were on the scene of multiple wildfires in Columbus County Wednesday. A major wildfire was burning north of Evergreen. Another fire threatened a hog farm on Bud Stephens Road. Several sheds were destroyed after a debris fire got out of control in North Hallsboro.
A suspect in a New Hanover County murder was arrested near Whiteville, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s office. Marvin Newkirk, age 40, was taken into custody when he was spotted entering a store.
