Local News

Wanted Man Hangs Self

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CARRBORO — New Hanover County sheriff's deputies say aman found hanged at a local campsite was wanted on child abuse charges inPennsylvania. Also known in the Carrboro area using the name Jim Madden,the man was actually Bryan Richard Roser, 36, who had just been profiledon "America's Most Wanted."

Roser had left Carrboro in early July, after a former girlfriendcharged him with assault.

Pennsylvania authorities had been looking for Roser since 1985, when hewas charged with molesting his son, raping a 9-year-old girl and othersex-related crimes. They also suspect he had killed another 9-year-oldgirl.

From Meadville, Pa., Roser went to California, where he stayed with afriend named Jim Madden. It was that name he adopted for use when hemoved to North Carolina.

Dividing his time between New Hanover County and Carrboro, he was saidby patrons and staff at Carrboro's Sticks and Stones bar to be likable andeasy-going.

Working as a handyman, he stayed with friends or slept in his pickuptruck.

New Hanover officials say that since the death occurred just four daysafter the nationally televised program ran a segment on Roser, they areruling the death a suicide.

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