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Pembroke Today
By the People, for the People
Man Charged in North Carolina Triple Homicide After Standoff
Ethan Lee Spaulding accused of killing three people inside a camper, surrendering after hours-long standoff
Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:33am
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Ethan Lee Spaulding, 28, has been arrested and charged with 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. The charges stem from the deaths of Triston Goins, 28, Howard Dean Jones, 51, and Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, who were found dead inside a camper in Pembroke, North Carolina on March 22. Spaulding allegedly surrendered to authorities after a short standoff at an apartment complex in Red Springs.
Why it matters
This triple homicide case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime linked to drug activity in Robeson County, North Carolina. The sheriff's office noted a 'pattern we continue to see; drugs playing a major role in violent crime within our county.' The arrest of the suspect marks a significant step towards justice, though the community continues to grapple with the senseless loss of life.
The details
According to authorities, Spaulding was armed with a 40-caliber firearm and a 12-gauge shotgun when he allegedly killed Goins, Jones, and Jacobs inside the camper. After the murders, Spaulding fled the scene but later surrendered to police following a short standoff at an apartment complex in Red Springs. A potential motive for the killings was not specified by law enforcement.
- The bodies of the three victims were discovered by deputies on the morning of March 22, 2026.
- Spaulding was arrested on the evening of March 22, 2026 after a 'short standoff' at an apartment complex in Red Springs.
- Spaulding is due in court for a disposition hearing on April 2, 2026.
The players
Ethan Lee Spaulding
A 28-year-old man from Maxton, North Carolina who has been charged with 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.
Triston Goins
A 28-year-old victim who was found dead inside the camper.
Howard Dean Jones
A 51-year-old victim who was found dead inside the camper.
Ashley N. Jacobs
A 35-year-old victim who was found dead inside the camper.
Burnis Wilkins
The Robeson County Sheriff who stated this arrest marks a significant step towards justice in the 'truly senseless and tragic triple homicide.'
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Burnis Wilkins, Robeson County Sheriff
“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.”
— Burnis Wilkins, Robeson County Sheriff
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on April 2, 2026 whether or not to allow Ethan Lee Spaulding out on bail.
The takeaway
This triple homicide case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing drug-related violent crime in Robeson County, North Carolina. While the arrest of the suspect is a significant step, the community continues to grapple with the senseless loss of life and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence.
