On June 12, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers from the Eden Police Department responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Wedgewood Court in Eden, North Carolina. Upon entering the home, they discovered 25-year-old Jacob Ray Bullins suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Bullins succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation swiftly identified 23-year-old Tristan McKane Simpson, also of Eden, as the primary suspect in the shooting. Simpson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was held without bond, with a scheduled court appearance on June 20, 2023, in Rockingham County District Court.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the motive behind the shooting or the nature of the relationship between Bullins and Simpson. The case remains under investigation, with the Eden Police Department urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Born on February 2, 1999, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, Jacob Bullins was known for his sense of humor and his love for making others smile. He enjoyed playing video games and listening to music, and he cherished spending time with his family, especially his mother and brothers. Bullins was laid to rest in the Mayodan Municipal Cemetery following a funeral service held on June 19, 2023, at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel in Madison, North Carolina.
The tragic death of Jacob Bullins has left the Eden community in mourning, as family and friends seek justice and closure. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, appealing to the public for any information that could aid in the ongoing inquiry.
