In the quiet community of Seale, Alabama, the new year took a grim turn with the discovery of a local man's body. Christopher Roper, a 38-year-old Caucasian male, was found deceased on January 14, 2021, behind the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. An investigation by the Russell County Sheriff's Office was promptly launched into what was quickly determined to be a homicide.
Authorities worked to piece together the events leading to Roper's death, identifying him after about half a day. The investigation into his murder led them to interview several of his friends and acquaintances. Through these interviews, investigators learned that Roper was last seen with a 28-year-old woman named Samantha Elizabeth Malasig. She was described as an acquaintance and friend of Roper.
Based on statements and other evidence gathered, the Russell County Sheriff's Office charged Malasig with the murder of Christopher Roper. She was subsequently taken into custody and held in the Russell County Jail. Investigators believe Malasig was the one who pulled the trigger. At the time of her arrest, authorities were also searching for a burgundy or maroon colored Honda Civic that they believed Malasig and Roper were in on the night of his death. The sheriff's office indicated that drug use may have been a contributing factor in the motive for the killing, and that other individuals could potentially face charges in connection with the case.
