The Murder of Richard Jacobs Jr
The Notification That Changes Your Life
Murder - It's such a mundane word really.
We are entertained by it, fascinated by it. We watch murder mysteries about it. We are curious about the details, fascinated with the characters. Intriged by the who done it syndrome. That is ------------------
Until it happens to you!!!
Until you get that knock on your front door at 3 am in the morning. Until the men in suits are standing on your porch, with a somber face, and a message for you- "Sorry to inform you". Until you find out that it was no accident, no act of fate, no human error, it was an act of evil.
That Puts a Whole Different Spin On It
My husband answered the door, for he wasn't asleep yet and either was I. We were getting ready to call the police, for the restuarant my son worked at, even if he was sent to the beach store, he was still really late. My husband jumped out of bed, elated that he was safe, and he must have accidentally locked him out.
However, instead of my son standing on the porch, it was four men and one woman in dress attire. Greg felt a feeling of doom come over him even before the men spoke. They continued, "Does Richard Jacobs live here?" Greg immediately asked "Where is my son? Is he in trouble?? Where is he? Their response was, "Can we come in?"
Where is my son? Greg continued. Can we come in? they insisted.
"Not until you tell me where my son is".
The Notification - From My Front Porch
Then it came- The words that would change your life forever. "Your son, Richard Jacobs Jr, was shot multiple times tonight and is dead".
Greg stumbled back from the front door, and held the door open. They were from the Delaware State Police, and quickly they aligned themselves on an oriental rug that layed across my living room floor.
It was no oridinary rug. My son had purchased it for me as an early birthday gift earlier in the morning before he left for work.
My Notification
After the officers aligned themselves on my birthday gift, to this day, I could tell you what kind of shoes each of them had on. My husband yelled out to me in the bedroom, "Ricky is Dead".
I screamed "No- No-No" as I came racing out of the bedroom in my pajamas. I asked them, "What happened? Did he have an accident"? They remained silent. I was already breathing hard and tears flowing, but they remained silent. I raised my voice an octave, and said, "What happened"? They all remained silent, so I revved it up to a scream, "Tell me what happened to my son"???? The woman officer which I later found out was a Captain and the ranking officer, meekly said in a low tone, "He was shot."
My Reaction
Shot? I screamed, who would want to shoot Richard? Everyone loved Richard. They all remained silent once again. I was at such a high octave I was barely below a scream at this point. "Who shot my son"? Who took my son's life"?
The Detective on the one end, meekly said in a low monotone voice, "We don't know".
Greg said, "You didn't do your job"!! They remained silent.
I asked, "Was he in a bad area?? There reply was once again low and monotone, "Yes". Where was it? Where did my son die"? - No answer, none at all.
However, the next statement from Richard's mother, should have let them know what the next almost three years would be like.
Rick's mother, "ME", asked them this. -------------------
"Is someone going to pay for this?"
Again there was SILENCE!!
DEADLY SILENCE!!!
About the Creator
Susan Payton
I love to write in every venue. I am 75 years old and try to make every day count,. I am learning a great deal about poetry on Vocal, and I am glad to be here.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Susan Payton and writers in Criminal and other communities.
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Updates
In recent weeks, Minneapolis has found itself at the center of a growing legal and political controversy following a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. What initially appeared to be a straightforward federal use-of-force investigation has evolved into a broader dispute between state authorities and federal officials, raising serious questions about transparency, jurisdiction, and accountability. The most significant development so far is the state’s claim that it has been denied access to key evidence related to the incident. As public attention intensifies, the case is no longer just about what happened during the shooting. It is increasingly about who controls the facts, who gets to investigate them, and how justice is supposed to function when federal and state systems collide. What We Know About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting The shooting occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. ICE agents were reportedly conducting official duties when gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries and immediate emergency response. Federal authorities confirmed the incident and stated that internal protocols were activated, including an automatic review by federal oversight bodies. From the beginning, details were limited. Officials cited the ongoing nature of the investigation and concerns about officer safety. This lack of information, while not unusual in federal cases, quickly became a point of friction for Minnesota state authorities, who argued that the public deserved clarity and that the state had a legal role to play in examining the incident. State Authorities Push for Transparency Minnesota state officials, including investigators and legal representatives, formally requested access to evidence connected to the shooting. This evidence reportedly includes body camera footage, surveillance recordings, forensic reports, and internal communication logs from the operation. According to state representatives, these requests were either delayed or denied outright. The state has since gone on record stating that it cannot independently assess the legality of the shooting without full access to the materials. This denial has fueled concerns that federal agencies are operating without sufficient external oversight, especially in incidents involving potential civilian harm. State leaders emphasized that their position is not adversarial by default. Rather, they argue that cooperation between federal and state agencies is essential to maintain public trust, particularly in communities already wary of immigration enforcement. Federal Response and Jurisdictional Limits Federal officials, for their part, maintain that the investigation falls squarely under federal jurisdiction. ICE operates as a federal agency, and shootings involving federal officers are typically reviewed internally and, when appropriate, by federal prosecutors or inspectors general. In statements released following the controversy, federal representatives cited legal restrictions that limit the sharing of evidence during an active investigation. They also stressed that premature disclosure could compromise witness testimony or investigative integrity. This explanation, while legally grounded, has done little to ease state frustrations. Critics argue that “ongoing investigation” has too often been used as a blanket justification for withholding information, even in cases where transparency could prevent misinformation and public unrest. Community Reaction and Public Trust The Minneapolis community has responded with a mix of concern, anger, and fatigue. For many residents, particularly in immigrant and marginalized communities, the shooting has reopened long-standing fears about aggressive enforcement tactics and lack of accountability. Community leaders and advocacy groups have called for the immediate release of non-sensitive evidence, arguing that transparency is a prerequisite for trust. Peaceful demonstrations and public forums have highlighted a broader demand: that no law enforcement agency, federal or otherwise, should be beyond scrutiny. Local officials echoed these concerns, noting that Minneapolis has spent years attempting to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. The perception that evidence is being withheld threatens to undermine that progress. Legal Implications of Denied Evidence From a legal standpoint, the state’s inability to access evidence raises complex questions. While federal agencies do have authority over their operations, states also have a responsibility to investigate deaths or injuries occurring within their borders. Legal experts suggest that this dispute could set a precedent. If states are routinely blocked from reviewing evidence in federal use-of-force cases, it may limit their ability to pursue independent inquiries or bring charges under state law when applicable. Some analysts believe the issue could ultimately be resolved in court, with judges determining whether the state has a legal right to access certain materials. Such a ruling could have national implications, influencing how future federal-state conflicts are handled. Political Dimensions of the Case The Minneapolis ICE shooting has also taken on a political dimension. Immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue, and incidents like this tend to amplify existing ideological divides. State officials critical of federal immigration policies view the denial of evidence as symptomatic of a larger lack of accountability. Meanwhile, supporters of strict federal enforcement argue that state interference could hinder effective operations and put officers at risk. This political tension complicates the path forward. What might otherwise be a procedural disagreement risks becoming a symbolic battle over immigration, law enforcement authority, and states’ rights. What Happens Next? As of now, the investigation continues under federal oversight, while the state explores its legal options. Negotiations between state and federal officials have reportedly not been ruled out, suggesting that a compromise could still be reached. Potential next steps include limited evidence sharing under confidentiality agreements, congressional inquiries, or judicial review. Each option carries its own risks and consequences, both legally and politically. What remains clear is that public pressure is unlikely to fade. Minneapolis residents, like many Americans, are demanding clarity, fairness, and accountability in cases involving law enforcement use of force. A Broader Conversation About Accountability The Minneapolis ICE shooting is no longer just a single incident under investigation. It has become a lens through which broader issues are being examined: the balance of power between federal and state authorities, the limits of transparency, and the role of public oversight in a democratic society. Whether or not the state ultimately gains access to the evidence, the controversy has already sparked an important conversation. How that conversation translates into policy, practice, or reform remains to be seen, but its impact will likely extend far beyond Minneapolis. In the end, accountability is not only about assigning blame. It is about ensuring that systems function openly and fairly, especially when lives are affected. The outcome of this case may help determine how well those principles are upheld in the future.
By Saboor Brohi 4 days ago in Criminal
Sabrina Carpenter Accused of Copying Tiffany A♡ Luna’s Crown Logo—While Her Federal Plagiarism Case Spirals Into Further Career Ruin
Sabrina Carpenter’s pop princess image is crumbling under the weight of what is now being described as one of the most damaging plagiarism cases in music history. The Disney-born starlet is not only battling a brutal federal lawsuit over her song Espresso, but now faces new backlash after debuting a crown into her updated logo June 6, 2025 eerily similar to Tiffany A♡ Luna’s crown, which was quietly unveiled just weeks before — the same Tiffany A♡ Luna currently suing her in federal court.
By Dena Falken Esq7 days ago in Criminal
Comments (8)
This is some heavy stuff. It's crazy how quickly life can turn upside down. I can't even imagine getting that kind of news at 3 am. You said your son bought you that rug as a gift. That must make it so much harder to look at. How did you and your husband cope with this? And what was it like dealing with the police right after getting such devastating news?
Dear Susan - I'm glad you picked up what Pastor Randy and I encouraged you to do. I knew about his son as well, and we talked about it when we wrote 'Victims-Too' - I would never have written it if it wasn't for him. I've been standing back on making this comment, from my own experiences: 'How do you find the words to say?' Bless you, j.in.l.a.
You've experienced pain beyond imagining. I'm so sorry, Susan. The injustice in this lifetime leaves us yearning desperately for the next
What a beautiful young man your son was. I am so very sorry, Susan. I hope writing this helped to comfort you. Hugs and prayers
I know words from someone like me don't offer much for the heart, but I'm so sorry this happened to your son. At times, the world can be cruel to the kindest of people. But I know you went out and sought justice. You found the culprit where the police failed, and you did great. I'm sorry for the pain you and your husband had to endure. I wish you and Gregory the absolute best.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Susan. There is no comfort that ever seems to come from finding out someone else has some idea of what you are going through, that you have company on this road through the valley of the shadow of death, the valley of Hell itself. For us it was two highway patrol officers at our front door around 7 p.m. who wouldn't talk to Sandra until I was there with her. She called me upstairs from the basement where I was watching tv. We're both pastors & have been with families in hospital rooms, homes, etc. more times than I can remember or count. We didn't shout or scream. We quietly asked questions as we tried to wrap our heads & hearts around this news, feeling every bit as helpless to make everything okay on this side of it as ever we were on the other side. At 5:11 in the afternoon, returning from a neighboring town in his mother's car where he had delivered a repurposed prom dress as a part of a mission project he had started with a friend, he crossed over the center line on a curve & ran into another vehicle head on. At about 5:15 I had been returning from taking the Food Bank's cardboard to recycling after we closed at 5. I had to wait at the intersection for all the first responders--multiple fire trucks, ambulances, highway patrol vehicles--not knowing where they were heading. I had thought about taking in a movie that evening in the very town from which he had been returning. I would have been directed to take a detour around the accident, still with no clue. I decided against it. If I had, I would have been in the theater 22 miles away when they showed up at our door. I know you've been asked this more times than you can tell, & please don't feel you need to answer if you don't want to. But did they figure out what happened, who did it & why?
I'm so sorry. I hope they find some answer for you.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Susan. I hope that soon you find the peace you deserve.