Special to Lake Okeechobee News
Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Detectives have so far made two arrests in connection with the death of 35-year-old Richard Francis Vincent Pepe of Vero Beach.
Pepe was found unresponsive and covered in blood along the 26000 block of Martin Highway (CR 714, Martin Grade) just after 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. His death is being investigated as a homicide.
Following an extensive investigation, and with the assistance of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office and the US Marshals Regional Task Force, Martin County detectives served a search warrant at a house located in the 14-thousand block of Northwest 300th Street in Okeechobee. Following that search, two individuals were taken into custody early this morning.
Thirty-four year old Jacob Robert Allen Stevens has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Thirty-nine year old Meagon Nicole Brown has been charged with first degree murder accessory after the fact. The two were boyfriend and girlfriend.
The arrests of Stevens and Brown mark a significant development in the investigation, but detectives emphasize that the case remains active and ongoing. Investigators continue to interview multiple witnesses and gather statements from individuals familiar with the victim and the suspects.
Further information about this case is expected to be released by the end of the week, including possible motives for the killing, as detectives continue to advance their investigation.
Anyone who attended the large gathering at Plant Bamboo, or were near the location of the incident and have additional information about this murder, or anyone who may have witnessed any altercation in the area that night is urged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 772-220-7060. You can also call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.
