On June 12, 2023, at about 10:00 a.m., officers from the Eden Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence on Wedgewood Court in Eden, North Carolina. They found 25-year-old Jacob Ray Bullins with a gunshot wound to the chest; despite life-saving efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified 23-year-old Tristan McKane Simpson of Eden as the primary suspect. Simpson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was held without bond; a court appearance was scheduled for June 20, 2023, in Rockingham County District Court. Authorities have not disclosed a motive or the nature of the relationship between Bullins and Simpson, and the investigation remains open.

Bullins was born February 2, 1999, in Forsyth County. He enjoyed video games and music and was close to his mother and brothers; a funeral service took place June 19, 2023, and he was buried in Mayodan Municipal Cemetery. If anyone has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Eden Police Department.