North Carolina Woman Accused of Attempted Murder After Allegedly Imprisoning Boyfriend in Storage Unit
A harrowing case of alleged domestic violence has unfolded in North Carolina, leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old woman on charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. Robin Deaton is accused of locking her boyfriend inside a storage unit for five agonizing days, depriving him of food, water, and any means of escape. The incident has ignited a conversation about the often-overlooked issue of male victims of domestic abuse and the severity with which such crimes must be addressed.
Deaton was apprehended in Charlotte on Wednesday night, following a 911 call placed from within the cluttered confines of the storage unit in Monroe, a town situated roughly 30 miles southeast of Charlotte. The desperate plea for help, received by dispatchers on Monday afternoon, painted a grim picture of the man’s confinement and rapidly deteriorating condition.
The victim, identified as a 51-year-old man in an incident report obtained by USA TODAY, recounted a terrifying ordeal that began on February 20th. According to Lt. Morgan Malone of the Monroe Police Department, the man stated that he and Deaton, his girlfriend, were at his storage unit when a heated argument erupted between them. During the dispute, Deaton allegedly asked him to retrieve an item from the back of the unit. As he turned to comply, she seized the opportunity, slamming the door shut and securing it with two locks from the outside. The man alleges that as Deaton locked him in, she coldly uttered, "This is what you get."
The storage unit, described by officers as a "hoarder’s paradise," presented a significant obstacle to the man’s initial attempts to escape. The sheer volume of accumulated items within the unit made movement difficult and hindered his ability to locate his cell phone. It wasn’t until days later, after enduring prolonged thirst, hunger, and mounting desperation, that he finally stumbled upon the device, his lifeline to the outside world.
In a frantic call to 911, the man pleaded for help, his voice weak and labored. "I’ve been here since last week," he told dispatchers, his words conveying the urgency of his situation. "I just need out of here, I can’t breathe. I haven’t had nothing to drink or anything."
The Monroe Police Department responded swiftly to the call, arriving at the storage unit to find the man trapped behind the locked doors. Overcoming the obstacles presented by the densely packed contents, officers managed to gain entry and free the victim from his prison. The scene that greeted them was one of overwhelming disarray, with items spilling out of the unit as the doors were opened, a testament to the chaotic conditions the man had been forced to endure.
After being rescued, the man was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. He was found to be severely dehydrated but, remarkably, otherwise unharmed. Following treatment, he was released from the hospital on Monday.
Authorities are deeply disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the incident, believing that Deaton intended for her boyfriend to die within the storage unit. The alleged act of locking him inside without food, water, or any indication of an intention to return and check on him paints a chilling picture of premeditation and malice.
Lt. Malone emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the potential lethality of Deaton’s actions. "She allegedly left him no food, no water and she locked him inside and never went back to check on him," Malone told USA TODAY.
This case serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence is not limited to physical assault and can manifest in various forms, including confinement, deprivation, and emotional abuse. It also sheds light on the often-overlooked reality that men can also be victims of domestic violence. Lt. Malone stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence against men with the same seriousness and attention afforded to female victims. “Men are also victims of domestic violence, and it has to be taken seriously,” said Malone, underscoring the need for increased awareness and support for male victims.
The arrest of Robin Deaton marks a significant step towards holding her accountable for her alleged actions. The charges of attempted murder and kidnapping reflect the severity of the crime and the potential consequences she faces. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched as the case unfolds, offering an opportunity to examine the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges faced by male victims in seeking help and justice.
This incident further underscores the importance of resources and support systems for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, regardless of gender. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and online through its website, provides confidential assistance and resources for those in need. It is crucial that victims of domestic violence, both male and female, know that they are not alone and that help is available. Breaking the silence and seeking support are essential steps in escaping abusive situations and rebuilding lives free from fear and violence.
