The Nation - News from March 28, 1988

Investigators in racially troubled Robeson County in North Carolina searched for clues in the slaying of Indian activist Julian T. Pierce, while his supporters vowed to continue his campaign for Superior Court judge. “We’re going to run his campaign like he’s alive,” said Dexter Locklear, a campaign official. Pierce, 42, a Lumbee Indian and former attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, was shot to death at his home in Wakulla. Election officials said Pierce’s name will remain on the May 3 Democratic primary ballot. If Pierce were to win, a new election would be held, giving the Indian community a chance to field a new candidate. Anger over what the Indians call corrupt local government and racism led to the taking of hostages last month at a newspaper office in Lumberton.