‘Shatter the Silence’ plans celebration of life for woman 6 years after she was found dead in dumpster in Lumberton

LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW) – It’s been nearly six years since the death of Rhonda Jones, whose naked body was found facedown in a residential trash can in April 2017. 

Jones’ mother, Shelia Price, created an organization called “Shatter the Silence,” which is a support group for families whose loved ones have died and their deaths remain unsolved. 

The group will host a celebration of life on Saturday for Jones, with a balloon release set for 1 p.m. at Luther Britt Park in Lumberton. 

Price said she hopes every year her killer is found.

Price said there are many unsolved murders in Robeson County and that she created the organization to be a voice for the people. Her Facebook group has more than 10,000 followers.

“We march in parades, and we try to get justice for our loved ones,” Price said. “We have so many unsolved murders here that there is no way we could even solve them all.” 

The balloon release will not only memorialize Jones, but it will also celebrate the lives of Christina Bennett and Megan Oxendine who were found dead at about the same time in the same East Lumberton neighborhood as Jones. The deaths of all three women were declared undetermined due to the decomposition of their bodies.

“The Lumberton Police Department and the FBI continue to prioritize solving the deaths of Kristin, Rhonda, and Megan,” Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill said Thursday in a news release. “Though nearly 6 years has past since the first two victims were discovered, this is not a cold case. We continue to actively develop and follow leads. We will utilize every possible resource to uncover the facts. These women deserve justice and we will not stop until they get it.”

“Every part of our work as law enforcement agencies benefits from help from the public. One of the things we ask of our community is to help us determine exactly when Kristin, Rhonda, and Megan were last seen alive. This is a tight-knit community that look out for each other, if you have information and have not spoken to us, please reach out.”