RICHMOND COUNTY — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has obtained several arrest warrants, including one for murder, in connection with the August 3 homicide of Wendell Robinson Jr., 36, of Ellerbe. Raequan Lameek Ratliff, 28, of Hamlet, has been identified as the suspect.
Ratliff, a Black male, is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities urge the public not to approach him but to call 911 immediately if he is seen.
According to court documents, Ratliff has been convicted of assault on a female, felony larceny, communicating threats, assault and battery, misdemeanor larceny and resisting a public officer. In Anson County, he has been convicted of possession of an open container in the passenger area.
Deputies and investigators are actively working on the homicide investigation that began early Sunday morning on Easterling Avenue in Ellerbe. A resident called 911 after coming home and finding a man lying on the ground beside his home. When deputies arrived, they found Robinson deceased from a fatal gunshot wound.
Ellerbe Rescue Squad, First Health EMS and the Richmond County Medical Examiner assisted at the scene.
Sheriff Mark Gulledge emphasized the crucial role of community assistance in the investigation. Anyone with information on Ratliff’s whereabouts or details related to the case is urged to call 911. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers–Richmond County, NC, P3 app or by calling 910-997-5454.