The Case
Robert’s Life at HPU Days Before His Death
During Spring break of 2012 (4-11 March) Robert shared some fraternity ‘secrets’ and ritual information with Stacey Meyer, the girl friend of Delta Sig member Dave Matheny. Matheny and most of the other brothers/pledges heard about what Robert had shared and were upset. Reportedly, Dave Matheny was embarrased and upset, as were others, over this ‘leak’. Delta Sig chapter President Andrew Morgan called a meeting in March to talk about keeping private information private. Everyone was reminded to keep their mouths closed.
Delta Sigma Phi: Hazing and Unique Chapter Privileges
In January 2012, Robert began pledging Delta Sig (Delta Zeta Chapter) at High Point University (HPU). Delta Sig authorizes the members of its local chapters to exclusively conduct the pledge and initiation processes. Delta Sig, while maintaining authority to discipline individual members and chapters for violations, normally relies on chapter officers to relay Delta Sig’s policies on hazing and alcohol to the pledges and further relies on chapter officers to enforce those policies.
The High Point Police Department Investigation
Prior to critiquing the HPPD investigation into Robert’s death, it is significant to note how then Chief of Police Marty Sumner repeatedly characterized the HPPD investigation to the media when interviewed on multiple occasions after Robert’s death.
Keeping in mind Chief Sumner’s characterization of his Department’s ‘homicide’ structured investigation, let’s look at what the HPPD investigators actually did prior to cessation of all further activity within 3 hours of Robert’s death. The information presented is taken from the HPPD Investigative file.
Dateline Full Episode: The Crossing
Robert Tipton, a happy-go-lucky student at High Point University, is found unconscious and later pronounced dead by accidental overdose. But Robert’s family starts to question what really happened.
Media Coverage
YouTube Narrated PPT Presentation to HPPD (2018)
In late 2018 a detailed Power Point presentation on the circumstances surrounding the death and private investigation into Robert’s death was made to Walt Jones and his 1st assistant of the District Attorney’s Office of Guilford County (High Point) NC. The lead...
Bloomberg Article
In September 2018, Bloomberg published a detailed investigative article on Robert’s life at High Point University and the Delta Sigma Phi chapter he was pledging. This article, written by renowned journalist John Hechinger details the circumstances...
CBS17 – Appeals court upholds NC frat’s dismissal in pledge death
An appeals court agrees a fraternity should be dismissed from a lawsuit alleging a pledge at a private North Carolina university died from hazing. The state Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday the mother of Robert Eugene Tipton Jr. didn’t offer sufficient evidence that...
Do you have information regarding the case?
A $100,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for Robert’s death. If you have any information, please contact us at 866-760-0028.