Jacob Alexander Ray was a 21-year-old junior studying computer information science at Western Carolina University when he was shot near Tuck’s Tap & Grille in Cullowhee, North Carolina, just before midnight on October 6, 2017. Officers who first responded to a call believed to be a car wreck found Ray with a gunshot wound to the back of his head; he was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville, placed on life support, and removed from life support after dying on October 9, 2017.

Investigators say Ray was in a car with 19-year-old Western Carolina student Aja Makalo and 17-year-old Zavion Southerland of Charlotte at the time of the shooting. Makalo and Southerland were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder; after Ray’s death the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder. Witnesses gave a vehicle description and a partial plate that identified Makalo as the vehicle owner; she reportedly fled the scene and was later found with what appeared to be blood on her shoes.

Police executed ten search warrants in Cullowhee and Charlotte, including Ray’s dorm, phone, and car and Makalo’s apartment, electronics, car, and Charlotte residence. Searches yielded cell phone communications between Makalo and Southerland and between Ray and Makalo.

If anyone knew Jacob, his movements that night, or saw the vehicle near Tuck’s Tap & Grille, please come forward with information.