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Triple Homicide Discovery
A triple homicide investigation unfolded in Robeson County, North Carolina, when deputies responded to a property on Melinda Road near Pembroke early Sunday morning.
“On Sunday, at approximately 6:39 a.m., Robeson County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to 1141 Melinda Road, just north of Prospect, in reference to two deceased individuals found inside a camper. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a third individual deceased within the camper.”
Deputies arrived at approximately 6:39 a.m. after receiving reports of two bodies found inside the camper located at 1141 Melinda Road, just north of Prospect.
Upon their arrival, officials discovered a third deceased person inside the camper, elevating the incident from a double homicide to a triple homicide case.
The discovery prompted an immediate and intensive investigation by local law enforcement authorities.
Multiple agencies responded to secure the scene and begin collecting evidence in what would become a high-profile criminal case.
Victim Identification
The victims in the triple homicide have been identified as three individuals from the Robeson County area.
Triston Goins, 28, of Maxton, Howard Dean Jones, 51, of Lumberton, and Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, of Pembroke, were all found deceased in the camper.
Their bodies have been sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, which remains pending as authorities continue their investigation.
The victims ranged in age from 28 to 51 years old and came from different communities within Robeson County.
This tragic incident has impacted multiple families across the region.
Suspect Arrest
Ethan Lee Spaulding, a 27-year-old man from Maxton, North Carolina, was arrested in connection with the triple homicide later the same day.
“On Sunday, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Ethan Lee Spaulding, 27, of Maxton was arrested by Robeson County Sheriff's Office investigators after a short standoff in the Robinwood Apartments in Red Springs. After a standoff with Robeson County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team, Spaulding exited the apartment and surrendered.”
The arrest occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. when Robeson County Sheriff's Office investigators located Spaulding in the Robinwood Apartments in Red Springs.
The apprehension required the involvement of the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Negotiations Team, who engaged Spaulding in a standoff before he eventually surrendered.
Spaulding exited the apartment and surrendered without further incident.
The suspect's arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the case.
Formal Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Ethan Lee Spaulding has been formally charged with multiple serious criminal offenses related to the triple homicide.
Spaulding faces three counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a weapon within an enclosure to incite fear.
These charges reflect the severity of the alleged crimes and suggest additional criminal activity during the incident.
The suspect is currently being held in the custody of the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
This indicates the seriousness of the charges and the potential flight risk or danger posed by the defendant.
Official Response
Robeson County officials have strongly condemned the triple homicide, describing it as a 'senseless and tragic' incident.
“'This arrest marks a significant step toward justice in what is a truly senseless and tragic triple homicide in the Prospect community outside of Pembroke,' Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. 'Unfortunately, this case is yet another example of a pattern we continue to see; drugs playing a major role in violent crime within our county.'”
The case has deeply impacted the Prospect community outside of Pembroke.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins publicly addressed the case, commending the investigators for their tireless work.
The sheriff also thanked the community for their patience and cooperation during the investigation.
Authorities highlighted the role of illegal narcotics in violent crime within Robeson County.
Broader Crime Context
The triple homicide case has raised concerns about violent crime in Robeson County.
Particular attention has been focused on incidents involving illegal narcotics and firearms.
Sheriff Wilkins emphasized that 'the destruction caused by illegal narcotics continues to impact families and communities across Robeson County.'
The arrest of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm underscores challenges with illegal weapons possession.
Law enforcement officials have stated they 'will not let up in their efforts to combat it.'
