Robert Lee Caldwell, a 35-year-old man from Beavercreek, Ohio, tragically died on August 15, 2017, in Dayton, OH. Caldwell was shot multiple times in front of his three minor children while crossing a parking lot after leaving a counseling appointment in Riverside, Ohio. The incident was witnessed by his children, making it a particularly heart-wrenching event.
The suspect in Caldwell's murder, Sterling H. Roberts, was arrested on August 19, 2017, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Roberts was Caldwell's girlfriend's ex-husband, and the couple had an ongoing custody dispute over their children. Roberts was charged with traveling interstate to commit the murder after cyberstalking Caldwell. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison in March 2022.
In addition to Roberts, several other individuals were implicated in the crime. Tawnney Caldwell, Roberts' girlfriend and the victim's ex-wife, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for interstate stalking resulting in death. Roberts' brothers, Chance Deakin and Christopher Roberts, along with Tawnney's parents, Chandra and James Harmon, were also convicted of crimes related to the cyberstalking and murder.
The case highlighted the severe impact of domestic disputes and custody battles on families, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children involved in such conflicts. The investigation and subsequent trials underscored the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to bring justice for Caldwell's family.
Robert Lee Caldwell was remembered as a loving husband, father, son, and brother who was always there for his family. His death left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones, and his memory continues to be honored by those who knew him.
