A Maxton man wanted for murder was arrested after a standoff in Red Springs Sunday, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Ethan Lee Spaulding, 27, is being held under no bond. He faces three counts of first degree murder and one each of armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a felon and discharging a firearm in an enclosure to incite fear. He is being held in the Robeson County Detention Center.
Robeson deputies were called to Melinda Road near Pembroke just before 7 a.m. Sunday, the RCSO said in a press release. A caller to 911 said there were two dead individuals inside a camper. When deputies arrived they found another deceased person who was also inside the camper.
The victims were identified as Triston Goins, 28; Howard Dean Jones, 51, and Ashley Jacobs, 35.
Spaulding was later tracked to Robinwood Apartments in Red Springs. After a standoff with Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Negotiations Team, Spaulding surrendered.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said the killings were considered drug-related.
“This case is yet another example of a pattern we continue to see; drugs playing a major role in violent crime within our county,” Wilkins said in a press release. “The destruction caused by illegal narcotics continues to impact families and communities across Robeson County, and we will not let up in our efforts to combat it.
We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and to doing everything within our power to protect the citizens of this county. No community deserves to live in fear.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating loss.”
The investigation is ongoing. The Bureau of and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910.671.3170 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov.
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