On February 1, 2023, the body of 22-year-old Timothy O'Ryan Jacobs was discovered inside a vehicle located in a field near the intersection of Hornet Road and Meadow Road, just outside Lumberton, North Carolina. Jacobs, a resident of Pembroke, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office promptly initiated a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In the days following the discovery, law enforcement identified multiple suspects believed to be connected to Jacobs' death. On February 8, 2023, two individuals from Lumberton were arrested: 20-year-old Tyler Jacob Scott and 25-year-old Destinee Scott. Despite sharing the same last name, authorities confirmed that they are not related. Both were charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and altering criminal evidence. Additionally, Tyler Scott faced charges for concealing/failing to report a death. They were held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
Subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of additional suspects. On February 12, 2023, 18-year-old Xavier Davis of Rowland was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact and concealing/failing to report a death. He was detained at the Robeson County Detention Center with a bond set at $50,000. Authorities also issued warrants for a 16-year-old juvenile, whose identity was withheld due to age, facing charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, altering criminal evidence, and concealing/failing to report a death. Another suspect, 22-year-old Clonze McDuffie of Rowland, was sought on charges of accessory after the fact and altering criminal evidence.
The Robeson County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Lumberton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), continued to investigate the case. Sheriff Burnis Wilkins emphasized that individuals assisting or harboring the wanted suspects to evade apprehension would face charges. He also expressed concerns about legal restrictions preventing the release of descriptive details about the juvenile suspect, advocating for legislative changes to address such issues.
As of the latest available information, the investigation remained active, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover further details surrounding the circumstances of Timothy Jacobs' death. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Robeson County Sheriff's Office to aid in the resolution of the case.
