LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A Maiden man is in jail after Lincoln County deputies alleged he killed a woman he lived with.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to an EMS request for assistance with a reported cardiac arrest at a home on Ginger Lane around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Lesa Armstrong Rose, 63, was found on the bathroom floor by family members who arrived at the home and immediately called 911.
Rose was pronounced dead at the scene and had injuries that indicated her death was not natural. Detectives quickly identified 36-year-old Michael Steven Ricker, who also lived in the house, as a suspect in Rose's death.
Ricker was arrested early Sunday morning and taken into custody by Lincoln County deputies. He was charged with first-degree murder after interviewing with detectives. Ricker is currently being held in the Lincoln County jail without bond. He was scheduled to make a first appearance in court Monday.
Ricker was previously charged in a shooting at a home in Sherrills Ford in June. He was charged with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Anyone who may have information about this case is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 704-732-9050.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case due to the serious nature of his charges.