High Point Police Department (HPPD): The ‘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.
• In an interview Friday afternoon, High Point police chief Marty Sumner said investigators had heard “whispers” about hazing, but that they found no evidence of hazing at the apartment. “We did a full investigation as if it were a homicide,” he said. “Everything was locked down, everything was photographed. Anything we thought would be of evidence. We bagged and seized.“ (Source: Greensboro News-Record, Robert Lopez, 3/21/2014)
• HPPD Chief Marty Sumner said he reviewed photographs taken at the apartment on Crossing Way where Robert died and photos of the autopsy. The bruises did not look like Robert had been assaulted, Sumner said. “Those bruises were old or very superficial” Sumner said. (Source: HPE, Megan Ward, 7/8/2014)
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.
| Date | Time | Event (Per HPPD Case File) | Source | Comments |
| 3/26 | 10:30 |
HPPD Officer Grimberg arrives at 2128-H Crossing Way. Noted that toilet was running as if recently flushed. |
HPPD case file |
General observations and documents arrival of EMS. Statement has inaccurate and conflicting information about who was interviewed and what was stated. |
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3/26 |
10:32 |
EMS arrives and takes over from Jefferson. Robert is transported to Regional Hospital. |
HPPD case file |
EMS report reflects Robert was essentially dead upon their arrival at Jefferson’s apartment. |
| 3/26 | 11:10 |
Robert pronounced dead at HP Regional Hospital |
HPPD case file |
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Jefferson and DeFilippo (Delta Sig alum living in next building over) were interviewed. Drew Embler (roommate of Jefferson) interviewed. |
HPPD Case file |
Conflicting statements. Jefferson states beer, possibly liquor consumed by Tipton; no illegal drugs. HPPD simply wants this case to go away. |
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| 3/26 |
10:30 to 11:48 |
Subsequent to interviews of Jefferson, Embler and Difilippo, no further investigative activity at residence until arrival of lab tech. No securing of scene, no canvassing of neighboring apartments. |
HPPD Case file |
According to HPPD, numerous HPPD and High Point University personnel (including Gail Tuttle, Student Life VP) were on the scene very shortly after 911 call. HPPD, HPU and certain members of Delta Sig simply want this case to go away. |
| 3/26 |
11:25 to 12:10 |
Apartment photographed (interior and exterior) Consent to search Jefferson’s apartment given at 11:48. Search completed at approximately 12:10. Scene released by HPPD to Jefferson at that time.
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HPPD Case file
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‘Search’ yields suspected marijuana pipe and yellow pill; both found on end table in living room. Neither was ever laboratory tested; a look up on-line was the extent of the investigation into the drug that allegedly (according to HPPD) caused Robert’s death. RHPPD simply wants this case to go away.
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Robert’s iPhone (right image) not seized during HPPD ‘crime scene’ processing. Table and phone located within 3 feet of Robert’s body. After HPPD leaves, Michael Qubein (Delta Sig officer and son of HPU President Nido Qubein) takes Robert’s iPhone. Qubein subsequently tethers the phone to his computer and commences to delete text and emails.
| Date | Time | Event (Per HPPD Case File) | Source | Comments |
| 3/26 |
12:23 |
Digital photos of Robert’s body reveal substantial bruising around left eye, buttocks, neck and knees. |
HPPD case file |
From HPPD report (lab tech Squires): “Bruising was visible on the deceased’s right hip, both knees, and a large linear bruise was visible on the left buttock. Hemorrhages/bruises were also visible on the deceased’ s left eyeball, neck, and upper chest.” |
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3/26 |
Local Medical Examiner (Dr. Arnold) examines body at hospital on 3/26, but doesn’t prepare/sign handwritten report until 4/3/2012. |
HPPD case file |
Dr. Arnold is provided with incorrect information by HPPD on events leading to Robert’s death. As a result, his report reflects those errors. Based on HPPD information, Dr. Arnold lists alcohol and benzodiazepines as contributing conditions to Robert’s death. HPPD simply wants this case to go away. |
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| 3/26 |
12:30 (approximately) |
Active investigation ceases. |
HPPD case file |
Inexplicably, no further police interviews, follow up on injuries, or any other investigative work conducted into Robert’s death until receipt of Medical Examiner’s report on/about 6/18. HPPD simply wants this case to go away. |
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3/27 |
Autopsy of Robert’s body performed by Dr. Privette at Medical Examiner’s office in Chapel Hill, NC. |
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Dr. Privette did not document injuries on posterior of Robert’s body. Noted laceration from blunt force trauma to Robert’s head, but failed to perform standard testing for concussion. |
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4/17 |
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Toxicology report issued |
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Addressed to Det. Heather Meyer, unknown when this was received as it is not documented in case file. Contrary to Jefferson’s statement, toxicology report reflects no ‘alcohol’ detected. Only therapeutic doses of Clonazepam and non-lethal levels of Oxmorphone detected. HPPD simply wants this case to go away.
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6/17 |
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Medical Examiner’s report received by HPPD (Detective Heather Meyer).
Case officially closed same day.
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Interestingly, even with ‘accidental overdose’ as the alleged cause of death, the HPPD never conducted an inquiry into how Robert and/or others at the apartment came into possession of this drug, which they attribute as the cause of his death. No one in the apartment was prescribed Oxymorphone. HPPD simply wants this case to go away.
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Information which was later gathered as the result of private investigations, depositions and expert testimony sheds light on the mysterious and inexplicable activities of the HPPD, High Point University personnel and members of the Delta Sig chapter before and after Robert’s death. See the ‘next chapter’ in our efforts to obtain justice for Robert.
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.