The shocking incident in Monroe, North Carolina, has left the community in disbelief as details emerge about a woman accused of locking her boyfriend in a storage unit for several days without food or water. Robi Deaton, 52, was arrested on Wednesday, February 26, and is now facing charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, endured a harrowing ordeal that began on Thursday, February 20, when he was allegedly confined to a storage unit at the Cooper Storage facility.
According to police reports, Deaton’s boyfriend was lured into the storage unit under the pretense of retrieving an item for her. Once inside, Deaton allegedly slammed the door shut and secured it with two locks, leaving the victim trapped without any means of escape. The victim’s desperate situation was compounded by the lack of food, water, and a power source within the unit. For nearly four days, he remained confined, unable to call for help until he finally located his phone.
The victim’s ordeal came to light when he managed to contact emergency services on Monday, February 24. In a distressing 911 call, he explained his dire situation, stating, “I’ve been locked in a storage unit for about a week now, and I’ve just now found my phone.” He described how his girlfriend had locked him inside, doubling up the locks to ensure he couldn’t escape. The victim’s voice conveyed his desperation as he pleaded for assistance, mentioning that he couldn’t breathe and hadn’t had anything to drink.
Emergency responders arrived at the Cooper Storage facility shortly after receiving the call. Upon opening the storage unit, officers were met with a chaotic scene described as a “hoarder’s paradise,” with items spilling out as the door was opened. The victim was immediately provided with medical attention and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his confinement, he has since been released from the hospital and is recovering.
The arrest of Robi Deaton has sent shockwaves through the community. Monroe Police Department lieutenant and public information officer Morgan Malone confirmed the charges against Deaton, emphasizing the severity of the crime. “This is bizarre. In 15 years, I’ve not seen anybody who has been locked in a storage unit,” Malone stated. The incident report initially listed the crime as false imprisonment, but detectives sought higher charges based on the investigation’s findings.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the victim’s confinement. The motive behind Deaton’s actions remains unclear, but the charges of attempted murder and kidnapping reflect the gravity of the situation. The community’s response has been one of shock and concern, with many expressing disbelief that such an incident could occur.
The case has also highlighted the importance of vigilance and awareness in relationships. The victim’s ability to eventually call for help underscores the critical need for access to communication and emergency services. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Our thoughts are with the victim as he recovers from this traumatic experience. The Monroe Police Department continues to urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The community’s support and cooperation are essential in bringing closure to this disturbing incident and ensuring the safety of all residents.