A devastated North Carolina father says his beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Emma Jacobs, was allegedly tortured, sexually assaulted, and beaten to death inside her mother’s home.
David Ray told The North Carolina Beat he only learned about his daughter’s death days later through a family member who sent him a news article on Friday, May 29, — even though little Emma had been dead since Monday, May 22.
“I had to call around to like 9 or 10 different funeral homes to find my baby’s body,” a distraught David said. “I then got in contact with my baby’s mother’s sister who told me which detective to call.”
Father Describes “Heartbreaking” Scene of Alleged Abuse
According to David, the detective’s description of Emma’s small body left him shattered:
“She had been abused in so many ways. She had restraint marks around her wrists, her ankles, bruises everywhere… and she was being sexually assaulted. The night before she died, he tied her up and beat my baby because she wouldn’t stop crying because she was hungry.”
David says he’s only spoken to Emma’s mother through text messages since the tragedy — and claims the mother “doesn’t even care” about what happened to their daughter.
The North Carolina Beat has identified the child’s mother as Rose Jacobs and her boyfriend as Ryheem McLaughlin Winston.
What Police Found at the Scene
On the morning of May 22, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a 4-year-old unresponsive at a residence on Chantily Road in Raeford. Despite lifesaving efforts, Emma Jacobs was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the investigation, authorities discovered two firearms and controlled substances inside the home. Ryheem McLaughlin Winston was arrested but initially faced charges unrelated to Emma’s death:
- Two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Two counts of possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance
- Maintaining a dwelling for the sale/delivery of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Resisting a public officer (for allegedly delaying the death investigation)
Winston was originally denied bond due to the serious nature of the charges but he has since bonded out. He posted bond on May 27, 2026.
No Charges Yet in Toddler’s Death
As of now, no one has been charged in connection with Emma Jacobs’ death. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, pending full autopsy and toxicology results.
We’ll continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as soon as they drop.
Rest in peace, sweet Emma.
