A woman from North Carolina has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and kidnapping after reportedly keeping her boyfriend locked in a storage unit for five days without food or water. Robin Deaton, 52, was apprehended in Charlotte on Wednesday night following a 911 call made about suspicious circumstances involving a 51-year-old man in Monroe, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Charlotte.
The victim informed authorities that his girlfriend had confined him in the unit following an argument. After spending days in confinement, he managed to locate his cell phone and contact the police for assistance. The storage unit was described as a “hoarder’s paradise” by officers, with an abundance of items causing clutter. The man, who was hospitalized for dehydration but otherwise unharmed, recounted how the situation unfolded.
On February 20, during an altercation with Deaton at the storage unit, the victim was asked to retrieve something from the back. Subsequently, Deaton shut and locked the door, callously remarking, “This is what you get.” The cluttered environment made it challenging for the man to locate his phone, which he eventually found days later to seek help.
The victim’s distress was evident as he informed dispatchers of his dire circumstances, having been deprived of sustenance and struggling to breathe. It is believed that Deaton had callously abandoned him in the unit with intent to cause harm, neglecting to provide essential resources or check on his well-being.
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of taking such cases seriously, regardless of the gender of the individuals involved. Lt. Morgan Malone of the Monroe Police Department emphasized the significance of recognizing male victims of domestic abuse and ensuring their protection.
Saleen Martin, a dedicated reporter with the USA TODAY NOW team hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, highlights this alarming case of abuse. For further support or assistance regarding domestic violence, individuals are encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or access their virtual chat service on the website.
The swift action taken by law enforcement in response to this distressing situation underscores the commitment to safeguarding individuals from harm and holding perpetrators of such heinous acts accountable for their actions.
