Richmond County, NC: Domestic disturbance leads to attempted murder, suicide

by By Philip D. Brown
7 hrs ago | 485 views | 0 | 2 | |
A disturbance leading to an attempted murder/suicide in East Rockingham last week prompted lawmen to renew the call for domestic violence awareness in the county.

Deputies responded to a domestic call on 1st Avenue Aleo to find both parties had been shot.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mark Gulledge explained Tuesday afternoon the man - Richard Roberts, 49, of the residence - was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife - 40-year-old Elizabeth Roberts, also of the residence - suffered multiple wounds in the attack.

She is being treated at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

“Once deputies arrived, a family member came running out the door yelling that their mother had been shot,” Gulledge said. “In the home, they found the mother lying in a bedroom with gunshot wounds. The man was also lying in the bedroom, where he was pronounced dead.”

Three witnesses, ranging in age from 14 to 21, were in the home at the time of the shooting.

“Domestic violence is a sad occurrence in our society,” Gulledge said. “If anyone is aware of a family member or friend who is the victim of domestic violence, they are encouraged to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office or domestic violence resource to report abuse.”

Gulledge pointed out there are processes in place to protect victims of domestic violence.

“Whether it’s a restraining order from the courts or a women’s shelter provided by a public agency, there are safeguards in place to protect victims of domestic violence,” Gulledge explained.

New Horizons: Life and Family Services of Rockingham Director Crystal McLendon explained her service specializes in assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“We strongly encourage any victims of domestic violence to contact us,” she explained Tuesday afternoon. “We can assist them in obtaining a protection order, safe housing and filing criminal charges, as well as offer them support throughout the court process.”

McLendon said the agency also provides counseling services for domestic violence victims.

New Horizons 24-hour domestic violence and sexual assault hotline may be reached at (910) 997-4840. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office may be contacted at (910) 997-8283, and the Richmond County Crime Stoppers may be reached at (910) 997-5454.

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15, or by e-mail at pbrown@heartlandpublications.com.