Two Arrested in Connection to Weekend Stabbing Homicide in Martin County

Richard Francis Vincent Pepe

Two Arrested in Connection to Weekend Stabbing Homicide in Martin County

Martin County, FL – The Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has made two arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing of 35-year-old Richard Francis Vincent Pepe, whose body was discovered late Saturday night along Martin Highway (CR 714, Martin Grade).

Deputies were called to the 26000 block of Martin Highway just after 10:00 p.m. on May 31, where they found Pepe unresponsive and covered in blood. His death was immediately treated as a homicide, sparking an intensive investigation.

With assistance from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force, Martin County detectives executed a search warrant early Monday morning at a residence in the 14,000 block of NW 300th Street in Okeechobee. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals:

• Jacob Robert Allen Stevens, 34, who has been charged with First-Degree Premeditated Murder
• Meagon Nicole Brown, 39, who faces charges of First-Degree Murder Accessory After the Fact

The two suspects are described as boyfriend and girlfriend. Authorities say the arrests mark a major development in the case, but stress that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and gather statements from individuals who knew the victim or the suspects. Officials also noted that more details—including a possible motive—may be released later this week.

Investigators are specifically asking for help from anyone who attended the large gathering at Plant Bamboo or was near the scene of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 772-220-7060, or provide tips anonymously through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.