Suspect in Robeson Co. triple murder arrested in standoff

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man has been arrested in the triple murder that took place in Robeson County.

Ethan Lee Spaulding, 27, of Maxton was arrested by investigators after a short standoff in the Robinwood Apartments in Red Springs.

He is charged with 3 counts of first-degree murder.

On Sunday at 6:39 a.m., deputies responded to Melinda Road in Pembroke in reference to 2 people who were found dead inside a camper.

When deputies arrived, they found a third person also dead inside the camper.

They have been identified as Triston Goins, 28, of Maxton, Howard Dean Jones, 51, of Lumberton, and Ashley N. Jacobs, 35, of Pembroke.

A cause of death has not been released by the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said this incident is not related to the recent death of Jame P. Lowery, 51, of Pembroke. Lowery was found dead on March 9.

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