STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — Couple from Okeechobee County Arrested in Connection to Deadly Stabbing Near PlantBamboo
A quiet Saturday night in Martin County took a tragic turn when a deadly stabbing occurred near the popular PlantBamboo area, leaving the community shaken and a family devastated. Authorities have since arrested a couple from neighboring Okeechobee County in connection with the fatal incident.
On Tuesday morning, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed that Jacob Robert Allen Stevens, 34, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the stabbing death of 35-year-old Richard Francis Vincent Pepe. Stevens’ partner, Meagon Nicole Brown, 39, also from Okeechobee County, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to a felony.
The Incident: A Fatal Altercation on County Road 714
According to authorities, the events unfolded on Saturday night near County Road 714, also known as Southwest Martin Highway, a location close to the PlantBamboo complex—an area frequented by residents for dining and shopping. MCSO received a distressing 911 call from the victim, Richard Pepe, reporting that he had been stabbed. Emergency responders found Pepe collapsed along the roadway, gravely injured.
Major Ruben Romero of MCSO provided details on the scene and the investigation, stating:
“All evidence right now points that this stabbing occurred on 714 as our victim was walking away from PlantBamboo. We know he was involved in an altercation. He was trying to separate himself from that.”
The nature of the altercation remains under investigation, but early reports suggest a confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in Pepe’s fatal injuries. The quick response by law enforcement and medical personnel could not save him.
Arrests and Charges
Jacob Stevens was apprehended and charged with first-degree premeditated murder, indicating that investigators believe the act was planned rather than spontaneous. Meagon Brown was arrested for her role after the incident, accused of assisting Stevens in evading capture or helping conceal evidence.
Authorities have confirmed that Stevens and Brown were in a romantic relationship at the time of the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The deadly stabbing has sent ripples through Martin County and neighboring Okeechobee, where the accused couple resided. Community members are grappling with the shock of violence occurring so close to home in an area usually considered safe and family-friendly.
Law enforcement officials continue to piece together the timeline and motive behind the altercation, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage in the area.
Major Romero stressed the importance of public assistance, urging anyone with information related to the incident or the suspect couple’s activities to come forward:
“We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to this case to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Your information could be crucial in ensuring justice for the victim.”
Remembering Richard Pepe
Friends and family are mourning the untimely loss of Richard Francis Vincent Pepe, remembered as a vibrant and beloved member of the community. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and the devastating consequences of violence.
Next Steps
Jacob Stevens and Meagon Brown are currently held in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing their investigation and coordinating with prosecutors to prepare for upcoming court appearances.
As the investigation unfolds, Martin County residents remain hopeful that justice will be served and that the memory of Richard Pepe will be honored. The community is rallying to support those affected and to call for continued vigilance against violence in their neighborhoods.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Richard Pepe during this incredibly difficult time.
#JusticeForRichard #MartinCounty #CommunitySafety
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