A man from North Carolina, previously arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his girlfriend’s father, is now suspected of murdering her mother while he was out on bond.
Michael Steven Ricker, 36, was taken into custody by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office following the death of 63-year-old Lesa Armstrong Rose in Maiden, N.C, WSOC-TV, WCNC Charlotte and Queen City News reported.
Upon arriving at the residence, family members discovered Rose’s body on a bathroom floor and promptly called 911. Initially, it was believed Rose had a cardiac arrest, but her injuries indicated otherwise, as noted by the Lincoln County EMS.
Lesa Armstrong Rose was identified as the mother of Ricker’s girlfriend. Notably, Ricker was previously alleged to have shot her husband, Terry Rose, in June. After being arrested on charges of attempted murder in that incident, Ricker was released on bond.
A local resident familiar with both Ricker and the Rose family, Steven Spencer, expressed his regret to WSOC-TV about not being with Rose shortly before her tragic demise.
Jail records indicate that Ricker is currently detained without bond and has a court appearance set for Nov. 9. Details regarding his plea or legal representation remain undisclosed.