Richmond County Daily Journal
A Rockingham man is under arrest on charges of armed robbery and first-degree murder in an alleged drug-related shooting last month.
Rockingham Police Chief Robert Voorhees said James Quante Ratliff, 20, of Watkins Loop Road, was taken into custody without incident by Raleigh authorities Tuesday.
He is being charged in the shooting death of George Britt Cockman, 38, of Lillington, near Fayetteville Road July 14.
“Our investigation revealed the victim in this case was lured to Richmond County under the pretext of a drug deal,” Voorhees said.
Police responded a call at approximately 8:30 the evening of the shooting, where officers found Cockman lying on the ground and unresponsive.
The victim received two bullet wounds to the chest and facial areas.
He was pronounced dead at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital, and his body was flown to Charlotte as an organ donor.
Voorhees said no murder weapon has been recovered, and there is a possibility there were accomplices in the alleged robbery and killing.
“The investigation is on-going, and there is the possibility of more arrests in this case,” he said.
Rockingham Police identified Ratliff as a suspect early on in the investigation. “He was interviewed about this case shortly after the incident, but it was determined at that time we didn’t have probable cause to make an arrest,” Voorhees said. “Since such time, evidence has been revealed, and he was taken into custody.”
Ratliff was charged with three felony counts related the alleged bad drug deal the day after the shooting.
His charges were possession of marijuana with intent to sell or distribute, the sale or distribution of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling.
He was initially placed under $200,000 bond, but was later released on a reduced secured bond, Voorhees said.
Voorhees said the 20-year-old Ratliff has previous run-ins with law enforcement in Rockingham dating back to 2007, including drug arrests, larceny and motor vehicle violations.
He said the suspect was the target of a drug investigation at the time of the shooting.
Following his release on the July 15 charges, investigators believe the suspect fled to Raleigh to elude arrest.
“He had changed his appearance somewhat and left town, but was located by authorities in Raleigh, who then turned him over to us,” Voorhees said.
Voorhees said while police suspect there are others involved, no other names are being released to the public at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
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