Michael Steven Ricker, 36, of Maiden, North Carolina, was arrested on Sunday by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the death of Lesa Armstrong Rose, 63, his ex-girlfriend’s mother, which occurred the previous day.
This arrest comes just months after Ricker was released on bond for an earlier charge of attempting to murder his ex-girlfriend’s father.
In June 2023, Ricker was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of Amber Rose’s father, Terry Rose, in Catawba County, North Carolina. He allegedly shot the man twice. Following this incident, Ricker was released on a $25,000 bond in July 2023.
The recent incident involving Lesa Armstrong Rose took place in her home in Maiden, Lincoln County on October 21, 2023. Her body was discovered with injuries that were inconsistent with natural causes. Initial reports from first responders who arrived at Rose’s home indicated that she was found lying on the bathroom floor, having suffered from blunt force trauma injuries. There were initial suspicions of cardiac arrest, but the nature of her injuries led investigators to rule out a natural death.
Ricker was identified as a prime suspect in Rose’s death. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged with first-degree murder. The relationship between Ricker and Rose was established through Ricker’s former seven-year romantic involvement with Rose’s daughter, Amber. He is currently awaiting his first court appearance.
Amber Rose, the daughter of the deceased, has not provided a detailed statement regarding the incident. However, it is clear that the events have deeply affected the Rose family and the larger community of Maiden, North Carolina.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lesa Armstrong Rose’s death. As the case unfolds, the community awaits further details and the subsequent legal proceedings against Ricker.
The two incidents, occurring just months apart, have raised concerns and questions within the community about the bond system and the potential risks it might pose. However, as the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and their families.