A man has been arrested and charged with murder following the discovery of three dead bodies inside a camper in Pembroke, North Carolina. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after receiving reports of two deceased individuals inside a camper. Upon arrival, deputies found a third body at the location.
Victims Identified
The victims have been identified as:
- Triston Goins, 28, from Maxton, N.C.
- Howard Dean Jones, 51, from Lumberton, N.C.
- Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, from Pembroke, N.C.
Arrest of Ethan Lee Spaulding
Ethan Lee Spaulding, 27, was arrested later that day in connection with the deaths. Authorities took Spaulding into custody after a brief standoff at an apartment complex in Red Springs, N.C.
Spaulding has been charged with:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Discharging a weapon within an enclosure to incite fear
He is currently being held without bond at a detention center. It is unclear whether Spaulding has legal representation.
Ongoing Investigation
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), is continuing the investigation. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet provided additional details on the cause of death.
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins commented on the tragic event, describing the crime as a “senseless and tragic triple homicide.” He praised the investigation team for their diligence and thanked the local community for their cooperation.
Sheriff Wilkins also highlighted the role of illegal narcotics in fueling violent crime, stating, “The destruction caused by illegal narcotics continues to impact families and communities across Robeson County.” He expressed the sheriff’s office’s commitment to combating drug-related violence in the area.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating loss,” the sheriff concluded.
