RICHMOND COUNTY – With 2018 is officially here, and as the Richmond Observer celebrates six months of giving Richmond County the news it deserves, the RO newsroom wants to reflect back on it top-five most read and headlining stories since its inception.
This four-day feature begins with the double murders of a young couple from Ellerbe in August. The RO was first to report on the tragic incident, including a video broadcast the night of the event. As there is nothing that can be said to relinquish the seriousness of the incident, the events of August 20, 2017, were the top news story of 2017.
Below is the RO’s initial coverage, as well as updates following the arrest of a suspect:
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Double Murder Committed in Ellerbe Sunday; Suspect Apprehended
ELLERBE – Breaking news from The Richmond Observer: a double murder occurred sometime mid-morning Sunday just outside of Ellerbe.
Officials discovered an abandoned vehicle that had been rolled into the woods where Lee Thee Church Road meets Haywood Cemetery Road outside of Ellerbe. Inside the vehicle one male and one female victim were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Their infant child still alive in the backseat.
The suspect was at large earlier in the day, but with the assistance of state officials and overhead helicopter search units, the suspect was apprehended this evening around 7:30 p.m. near exit 23 on Hwy 220. Sources say there may be someone who gave the suspect a ride after the incident, and if so, is still at large and being sought.
The child was rescued and is uninjured and reported to be in good condition. We offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends affected by this awful tragedy, and will offer more details on Monday night’s edition of LIVE AT 5.
The Richmond Observer will continue to report this story and work in conjunction with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Please stay tuned to our website and Facebook page.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Update: Robson Charged in Double Murder Case; Receives No Bond on Two Counts of Murder
Ellerbe – Christopher Robson, 44, was charged on Monday for the murder of Joseph and Katherine Cassidy, and is being held for that charge on no bond.
The Richmond Observer first reported the tragic case early last week, but with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department having not yet released the name of the suspect, the Observer withheld that information out of respect for the case until receiving the official press release yesterday from the Sheriff’s Department.
Chief Deputy Mark Gulledge announced Tuesday that Robson has been charged with two counts of murder, assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present, discharge of a barreled weapon into an occupied vehicle, larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony flee to elude arrest, and resisting a public officer.
During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Department discovered that Robson had taken two firearms from a residence in Ellerbe and was later identified to be in possession of those firearms.
The infant child, who was found alive in the vehicle by law enforcement, is still alive and is in good condition.
The Richmond Observer will continue to report on this story as more information becomes available. Our continued thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of the victims of this terrible crime.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Update: State will Pursue Death Penalty against Christopher Robson for August Shooting Deaths of Ellerbe Couple
ELLERBE – As the Richmond Observer broke the news in late August about a double-murder in Ellerbe, it continues its coverage as new details emerge.
Christopher Robson, 44, who was arrested following the incident, was in Richmond County court Wednesday, and was charged with first-degree murder in relation to the August 20 shooting deaths of Joseph and Katherine Cassidy. Their infant was found in their vehicle unharmed.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the state declared it is seeking the death penalty, based on evidence of statutory aggravating circumstances.
The Richmond Observer promises to continue to report on Robson’s pending trial as details develop.
