Rachael R. Ross-Golden, a 41-year-old African American woman, was found dead on January 2, 2015, in her apartment in Belvidere, Illinois. She had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. The discovery was made by police at approximately 7:40 a.m. in the 2100 block of Tobyne Drive. The investigation quickly identified Michael Spraggins, a 46-year-old man who was romantically involved with Ross-Golden, as the primary suspect. The authorities believed the incident was linked to domestic violence.
Following the discovery of Ross-Golden's body, a warrant was issued for Spraggins' arrest. The Belvidere Police Department, along with multiple other agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service, launched a manhunt for Spraggins. He was considered armed, dangerous, and potentially suicidal. The search for Spraggins extended over several months, during which time his daughters expressed their belief that he had jumped into the Rock River shortly after the murder.
On June 6, 2015, the body of Michael Spraggins was found floating in the Rock River near Blackhawk Island. The identification was confirmed through dental records. The discovery of Spraggins' body effectively closed the investigation into the murder of Rachael Ross-Golden, as the authorities concluded that he was responsible for her death. No other suspects were sought in connection with the case.
