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In a chilling event that has rattled the community, a North Carolina man has been apprehended following the grim discovery of three bodies inside a camper. The sheriff has labeled the incident as a “truly senseless and tragic” crime.
The suspect, 27-year-old Ethan Lee Spaulding, faces grave charges including 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 stem from the triple homicide, as detailed in a statement by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Three Bodies Discovered in Camper in Pembroke
The unsettling sequence of events began early on March 22 when deputies responded to a call at approximately 6:39 a.m. The report indicated the presence of two deceased individuals inside a camper located on a property in Pembroke. Upon arrival, officers made the harrowing discovery of a third victim within the same camper.
Authorities have identified the victims as Triston Goins, 28; Howard Dean Jones, 51; and Ashley N. Jacobs, 35. The tragic loss of these lives has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on their families and the community.
Spaulding’s arrest occurred later that night at around 10:30 p.m. following a brief standoff with law enforcement at the Robinwood Apartments in Red Springs. The situation was resolved when the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Negotiations Team successfully persuaded Spaulding to surrender, bringing a tense day to a close.
“This arrest marks a significant step toward justice,” Sheriff Burns Wilkins remarked, “in what is a truly senseless and tragic triple homicide in the Prospect Community outside of Pembroke.”
Investigators Suspect Drugs Were Involved in Robeson County Homicides
Wilkins said investigators believe the killings were related to drugs.
“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,” he said in the statement. “The destruction caused by illegal narcotics continues to impact families and communities across Robeson County, and we will not let up in our efforts to combat it.”
He added that the sheriff’s office was committed to holding those responsible accountable and protecting the community.
“No community deserves to live in fear,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating loss.”
Oxygen reached out to Wilkins for additional comment, but did not receive an immediate reply.
The investigation—which also includes The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—remains ongoing.
Neighbor Perry Neville told WMBF that after the triple homicide he drove by the crime scene and saw people outside crying and praying, adding that he was also upset by the violence.
“It’s ugly. Kids now go for the gun before thinking about what they’re doing,” he continued. “People get more involved in loving and helping one another. Instead of anger, just love your fellow man.”
Spaulding is currently being held at Robeson County Detention Center without bond. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney. Oxygen reached out to the county’s public defender, but did not get an immediate reply.
A request to the Robeson County District Attorney was also not immediately returned.