Deadly twist to home invasion

Published 6:21 pm Thursday, December 10, 2009

RICH SQUARE — The suspect in a Sunday night home invasion has been found dead.

According to Northampton County Sheriff’s Chief Detective Captain D.M. Harmon, the body of Matthew Hamilton Jacobs, 32, of Rich Square was discovered Tuesday afternoon in a wooded area behind the residence he allegedly attempted to rob.

Meanwhile, law enforcement is on the look out for another suspect in the crime who has been identified as Keyachia Carolette Joyner, 29 of Woodland.

On Sunday, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in reference to a home invasion at a residence, occupied by a couple, their three children and a family friend, on Highway 258 near Rich Square.

The family friend, Calvin Clark, 42, formally of Murfreesboro, answered the front door of the residence to Joyner. As Clark answered, Joyner allegedly moved to the side to make way for Jacobs, who was brandishing a shotgun. After Jacobs demanded money, Clark tried to close the door and Jacobs shot through the door of the residence.

Harmon said upon further investigation it was discovered Clark shot back at Jacobs, who suffered gunshot wounds that would eventually lead to his death.

Clark was also injured during the home invasion with a gunshot wound to his torso. He is still hospitalized at Pitt Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

After the two men exchanged gunfire, Joyner and Jacobs fled the residence. Harmon said Joyner got into a green Oldsmobile Alero while Jacobs fled on foot behind the residence.

Harmon said the Alero was found abandoned Tuesday morning and later that afternoon Jacobs’ body was discovered in the woods.

Harmon said the body was transported to Pitt Memorial Hospital for an autopsy. He said the results show Jacobs died of gunshot wounds.

He added the investigation is ongoing.

Harmon said warrants have been drawn for Joyner’s arrest. He urged those with information of her whereabouts to call the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 534-2611 or the Northampton County Crime Stoppers at (252) 534-1110.