Richmond County, NC-A quiet community is now gripped by sorrow and fear as authorities continue an urgent search for a murder suspect following the tragic killing of 36-year-old Wendell Robinson Jr. of Ellerbe. Richmond County deputies have identified Raequan Lameek Ratliff, 28, of Hamlet, as the prime suspect in what officials are calling a calculated and deadly act of violence.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, August 3, shaking the small town to its core. As investigators pieced together the scene and gathered testimony, a devastating picture emerged — and by Monday morning, the Sheriff’s Office had issued an arrest warrant for Ratliff on charges including first-degree murder.
Now, the manhunt is on.
Ratliff, described as 5-foot-5 and weighing approximately 140 pounds, remains at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. His escape has left a community both grieving and on edge.
“This is a very serious and heartbreaking situation,” Sheriff Mark Gulledge said in a somber press briefing. “A life has been senselessly taken. We are doing everything we can to bring Mr. Ratliff into custody, but we need the community’s help.”
Details of the homicide remain under tight guard, but investigators do not believe the act was random. A full motive has not been publicly disclosed.
Residents across Richmond County and beyond are being asked to remain alert and to report any sightings or information immediately. The Sheriff’s Office has also reminded the public not to confront Ratliff under any circumstance, emphasizing the real threat he poses.
As the news spreads, heartbreak is setting in. Wendell Robinson Jr., remembered by friends as a “gentle soul” and a “loving brother and father,” is gone — leaving behind a family stunned by grief and a community struggling to understand the violence that took him.
“Wendell didn’t deserve this,” said a tearful neighbor at a growing memorial in Ellerbe. “He was always smiling, always helping others. We just want justice.”
Law enforcement officials continue to coordinate with regional and state partners, with efforts intensifying by the hour. Crime Stoppers is accepting anonymous tips through the P3 Tips app or by phone at (910) 997-5454.
One man’s life has been cut short. Another is on the run.
And until justice is served, Richmond County remains united — in grief, in fear, and in determination.