Bio

Jacob D. Robida was born on June 13, 1987, in Massachusetts. He grew up in New Bedford, which is located about fifty miles south of Boston. It is reported that he attended New Bedford High School. He dropped out of high school without graduating.

Robida had a troubled reputation among his peers and was described as having an interest in neo-Nazism. He maintained a profile on MySpace where he expressed his fascination with controversial themes. He identified himself as a "Juggalo," a term associated with fans of the music group Insane Clown Posse. He also had troubling decorations and writings in his room, which included symbols and messages indicating antisemitism and racism.

At one point, his family faced inquiries from social services due to neglect complaints, but these investigations did not lead to significant action. In 2001, he graduated from a Junior Police Academy program aimed at young adolescents. After that, little information is available about his activities or lifestyle before the series of events in early February 2006.

On February 2, 2006, Robida was involved in a violent incident in New Bedford, marking a drastic turn in his life. This event triggered a nationwide manhunt, leading him far from his hometown.

Murder Story

On February 2, 2006, Jacob D. Robida attacked patrons at Puzzles Lounge, a gay bar in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He entered the bar around midnight wearing black clothing and asked the bartender if it was a gay bar. After receiving confirmation, he used a hatchet to injure one patron and then produced a handgun. In the chaos, he shot multiple people, injuring at least three. Robida fled the scene, and a manhunt was launched for him as police classified the incident as a hate crime.

Two days later, on February 4, Robida's green Pontiac was spotted about 1,500 miles away in Gassville, Arkansas. Police officer Jim Sell initiated a traffic stop. During this encounter, Robida shot and killed Officer Sell with a 9mm handgun. After a pursuit, spike strips were deployed, but Robida managed to evade the police for about eighteen miles, continuing to Norfork where he engaged in a shootout with law enforcement.

During the gunfight, Robida shot and killed his female companion, Jennifer Rena Bailey, before turning the gun on himself. He was later found seriously wounded and was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Jacob Robida died from his injuries on February 5, 2006. He was only 18 years old and had been wanted for multiple serious crimes.