Governor Increases Reward for Information on Durham County Murder

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the State of North Carolina is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Rosa Lee Crabtree, age 68.

"We must use every tool at our disposal to pursue justice for victims," said Governor Josh Stein. "I urge North Carolinians who have information about this case to contact local law enforcement and help us hold Rosa Lee Crabtree's murderer accountable."

On November 7, 2005, Ms. Crabtree was found deceased in her home in the Rougemont community of Durham County. Because several items were missing from the residence, investigators suspected robbery was the motive. Governor Michael Easley offered a $5,000 reward for information about the case on December 22, 2005. The Durham County Sheriff's Office has begun reviewing the case again and has submitted physical evidence to the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory for further advanced testing. Governor Stein has increased the reward to $25,000 in an effort to shed more light on this case and generate new leads.

Anyone having information concerning this case should contact the Durham County Sheriff's Office at (919) 560-0897 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.