Three people, including 35‑year‑old Ashley Nicole Jacobs, were found dead Sunday afternoon in the area of the 1100 block of Melinda Road outside of Pembroke in Robeson County. Deputies and crime scene investigators were called to the rural scene and discovered the victims inside a camper on the property. Among the deceased were Jacobs and two men, 28‑year‑old Triston Goins of Maxton and 51‑year‑old Howard Dean Jones of Lumberton. Authorities say all three will be sent to the state medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death as the investigation continues.
Neighbors told investigators they heard what sounded like gunshots between about 12:30 and 12:45 p.m., followed by the sound of a car speeding off down a nearby dirt road. That detail has become an important piece of what law enforcement officials are trying to piece together as they try to understand how the tragic scene unfolded. The sheriff’s office has sealed off the area and is working with federal agents on the ongoing inquiry.
Family members of the victims gathered at the edge of the scene, visibly shaken, hugging and consoling one another as deputies moved in and out of the yard. Friends described Jacobs as a warm person whose smile and kindness lifted those around her. Those who knew her spoke of her devotion to her family and her positive presence in the community.
The killings have left a quiet rural community reeling. Longtime residents described Melinda Road as a peaceful stretch of land where people look out for one another, and many say they are struggling to make sense of the sudden loss. As investigators comb through evidence, residents are sharing memories of the victims, holding on to moments that highlighted their lives rather than this shocking ending.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released any information about suspects or motives, and no arrests have been announced. Deputies have asked that anyone with information about what happened come forward to aid in the investigation. In the coming days, more details may emerge as authorities work to piece together the timeline and circumstances that led to this tragedy.
For now, friends and family are focusing on grieving and remembering. Community members have offered support and prayers for the families, urging one another to come together in the face of such a heavy loss. In small towns like this, news like this reverberates through neighbor networks, leaving a long shadow.
Despite the unanswered questions, one thing is clear to those who knew her: Ashley Nicole Jacobs will be remembered for her warmth, her laugh, and her steady presence in the lives of people she cared about. Her loss and that of the other two victims has struck deep in a community that now seeks answers and healing.
