36-year-old Michael Steven Ricker of Ginger Lane in Maiden was arrested Sunday (October 22) by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officers. He’s charged with first-degree murder.

On Saturday (October 21) shortly before 9:00 p.m. deputies were dispatched to an address on Ginger Lane in Maiden to assist Lincoln County EMS with a reported cardiac arrest at the residence. The victim, 63-year-old Lesa Armstrong Rose had been found on the floor of the bathroom by family members who arrived home and called 911.

Upon arrival at the residence, Lincoln County EMS and Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies found Ms. Rose deceased in the home from wounds not consistent with a natural death. During the homicide investigation at the scene, a detective identified Michael Steven Ricker, who lists the same address as the deceased, as a suspect.

During the early morning hours Sunday, Ricker was taken into custody by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies. He was interviewed and charged, then placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center without bond. A first appearance in Lincoln County District Court was scheduled today (October 23).