Michael Gene Cain, a 49-year-old man from Rockingham, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on August 25, 2014. Cain, who resided at 245 Ledbetter Street in the Cordova community, was known for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to help others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. His sudden death left a void in the lives of his family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Cain's death were both shocking and tragic.
On the night of August 24, 2014, Cain was at the home of his acquaintance, Robert David Erby II, located at 103 Jayson Street, also in the Cordova community. The two men had been spending time together since the evening, but an argument ensued, leading to a violent altercation. In the early hours of August 25, Erby, 40, allegedly opened fire inside his home, fatally wounding Cain. When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they found Cain's body in the front room, leaning against a cabinet with apparent gunshot wounds. A semi-automatic rifle was discovered nearby, leaning against the couch.
Erby was immediately taken into custody and charged with an open count of murder. He was held without bond in the Richmond County Detention Center, with his first court appearance scheduled for September 4, 2014. The investigation revealed that neither Cain nor Erby had any prior criminal convictions in North Carolina or pending charges in Richmond County. Detectives seized a Plainfield Machine Co. .30-caliber carbine M1 rifle and a Springfield .45-caliber handgun from Erby's home, along with several live bullets, spent shell casings, and bullet fragments.
The motive behind the shooting remained under investigation, but it was clear that the incident had a profound impact on the community. Cain's body was taken to the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh for an autopsy. The tragic event marked the first homicide in Richmond County in 2014 and the most recent since 2012. The community mourned the loss of a beloved member, and the case served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence.
