Milton Cummings, a 57-year-old man from Lumberton, North Carolina, tragically died on August 26, 2014. He was found dead in his home on Powhatan Drive after a violent home invasion. Two masked men forced their way into the house, and during the altercation, Cummings' throat was slashed. His mother and a 7-year-old grandchild were present during the incident but were not physically harmed.
The investigation led to the arrest of Michael Allen Rose, a 30-year-old man from Pembroke, North
Carolina. Rose was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree kidnapping in connection with Cummings' death. According to court records, Rose had a criminal history that included possession of a firearm by a felon, harassment, trespassing, and several minor narcotics charges.
The case drew significant attention from local authorities and the community, as Cummings was known to be a good neighbor and friend who did not deserve such a violent end. The motive for the crime was speculated to be revenge, although those who knew Cummings found this hard to believe given his kind nature.
The tragic incident left a lasting impact on the community, and the legal proceedings against Rose continued as the justice system sought to hold him accountable for his actions.