Laurinburg, NC — A teen has been arrested, and another remains at large in connection with the January 24 murder of 17-year-old Jasmine Smith.
The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD), in collaboration with the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a SWAT operation on Friday in the 5000 block of Crestline Road in Laurinburg. This was after warrants were issued for the arrest of 18-year-old Jordan Ray Jacobs, a resident of the area. Despite an extensive search, Jacobs was not found at the initial location. However, further investigation led officers to a secondary residence on Pea Bridge Road in Laurinburg, where Jacobs was located without further incident.
Jacobs was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was processed at the Laurinburg Police Department before being transported to the Scotland County Detention Facility.
A warrant has also been issued for 19-year-old Ja’Resse Patterson of Laurinburg, who is wanted for the same charge. Authorities have warned that Patterson is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact 9-1-1 or the Laurinburg Police Department. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is available for tips leading to Patterson’s arrest.
Officers initially responded to the scene of the shooting on January 24 at the 300 block of E. Vance Street, where they discovered Smith lying unresponsive in a front yard. Scotland County EMS later pronounced her dead. Smith was identified as the victim of the shooting.
The Laurinburg Police Department has thanked the public, particularly Scotland Crimestoppers, for their valuable tips and information that contributed to the arrest of Jacobs. They also expressed gratitude to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team for their assistance and continued support in locating Patterson.
The investigation remains ongoing.
