Wife, Son of Recent Murder Victim Arrested on Drug Charges

Lina and Michael Imes, the wife and son of Albert Imes, were accused of trying to deliver and sell drugs out of their house at 1229 Somerset Road.

It is the same residence where Albert Imes, a 63-year-old retired state worker, was found shot to death last week. Police said they do not believe Imes’ killing was random.

Two weeks ago, Imes' son called police saying he had been carjacked at gunpoint in the family's driveway.

After the Dec. 12 shooting, authorities said Imes’ wife, Lina, had to be taken from the scene because she was so distraught. She was also treated for chest pains.

Lina and Michael Imes were both charged Friday with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for purposes of distributing controlled substances. They were each being held at the Wake County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Their first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Neighbors said Albert Imes, whom they described as friendly and kind, was recovering from a stroke and often walked around the neighborhood with a cane and his dogs. He lived in the single story home with his wife and adult son, neighbors said.

"He was so sweet," neighbor Valerie Bumpus said. "We were devastated. We were wondering what happened and why would they do that to an old man."

“[I was] quite surprised,” said neighbor John Hancock. “I don’t know how these people could have any enemies of any sort. [They were] just very nice people."

Longtime residents said crime has increased in the area lately, and police records indicated more than 20 calls to the neighborhood this year.

"It's gone downhill, some," said Irvin Mattivi. "It never used to be this way. Everybody owned their own home and that, but it's not that way anymore."

Neighbors said the Imes family had loud dogs outside that would bark if there was any activity. The dogs had not made any noise early Wednesday morning that neighbors could recall.