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
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.