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Robert Peterson

Case from Rutherford, NC dated May 31, 1979

Victim Details

Robert Lee Pete Peterson

Male

White / Caucasian

Rutherford

NC

1979-05-31

37

Robert

Peterson

07/08/2026

Case Description

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Robert Lee "Pete" Peterson, a 37-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, was a trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. On May 31, 1979, he responded to a domestic dispute in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The incident began when Captain Roy Huskey, the first officer dispatched to the scene, was shot in the head by the suspect as he exited his patrol car. Deputy Sheriff Millard Messersmith arrived shortly after and was also shot in the head as he attempted to back out of the driveway. T ...
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Links to Additional Sources (4)

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  • Robert Lee “Pete” Peterson (1942-1979) - Mémorial Find a Grave
  • Reflections for Trooper Robert Lee Pete Peterson
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    Forum Posts (1)

    I came across the tragic story of Robert Lee "Pete" Peterson while researching unsung heroes, and I ... ...Read More
    11/17/2024
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