Robert’s Life at HPU
Days Before His DeathRobert’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. The ‘secret’ information reportedly shared by by Robert with Matheny’s girlfriend (Stacey Meyer) did not reflect well upon Mathney. It is unclear as to whether or not Matheny spoke with Robert about this.
On March 24, 2012, Robert attended a ‘juicer’ mixer with alcoholic beverages at the Delta Sig frat (on campus) house. Several friends in attendance confirm that Robert appeared stressed and not himself at this mixer. Reportedly, Robert and Delta Sig brother Marshall Jefferson argued over the presence of one or more attendees and he (Robert) alledgely being ‘rude’ to brothers, pledges and invitees. According to friend Alexandra Purves, Robert was stressed out at the mixer and told her he did not want to be there and wanted to leave. She says they left early and he spent the night in her room. On Sunday morning (3/25) Purves said Robert left saying he had Delta Sig pledge stuff to accomplish. She says that is the last time she spoke to Robert.
Robert and other pledges returned to the frat house on 3/25 to clean up after the previous night’s mixer. On the evening of 3/25, Robert and his fellow pledges met for dinner at an on campus burger joint (The Point). Those pledges interviewed indicated Robert seemed a little down but appeared physicall quite normal (no brusing or visible marks on the head or neck).
Marshall Jefferson and Robert had the following text exchange Sunday evening (3/25):
The reason for Robert’s visit to Marshal Jefferson’s 2nd floor apartment (2128-H Crossing Way, High Point, NC) on the evening of 3/25 is not clear; although text messages would indicate he was summoned. Marshal Jefferson was a senior brother and Robert, as a pledge, would have been obligated to obey. A text message from Robert to Will Hickey (Delta Sig brother) indicates Robert was at Marshall Jefferson’s apartment at approximately 11pm. Robert left Marshall’s apartment and drove to Hickey’s apartment in the same complex to pick up a book; Robert then returned to Marshall’s apartment.
What happened at Marshall’s apartment in the early morning hours of 3/26?
Media Coverage
CBS – Family of dead fraternity pledge sues university in N.C.
The family of a fraternity pledge who died in 2012 is suing North Carolina's High Point University, alleging that hazing led to his death and that school officials had knowledge of the fraternity's conduct. The News & Record of Greensboro reports that...
NBC – High Point University sued over student’s alleged hazing death
Robert Eugene Tipton Jr., who was pledging Delta Sigma Phi at HPU, “was hazed viciously by members of Delta Sig at the direction” of Michael Qubein, son of university President Nido Qubein and one of Tipton’s classmates, the suit alleges. Click here to read more from...
Arnold & Smith – Horrific Hazing Allegedly Cause Of College Student’s Death
According to news reports, the family claims that the day before he died, Tipton was told he had to attend what the fraternity dubbed a “counseling session” at the off-campus apartment. After arriving, they say that members of Delta Sigma Phi proceeded to viciously...
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.