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NC Wanted: Compromised crime scene stymies Rocky Mount murder investigation

The murder of Magelene Puckett is one of Rocky Mount's oldest and most puzzling crimes.

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ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The murder of Magelene Puckett is one of Rocky Mount's oldest and most puzzling crimes. She was beaten to death in July of 1990 during a robbery at her mother's home.

Police say the suspects came in through the kitchen window, likely intending to rob the home.

Puckett, 63, was sexually assaulted, beaten and left for dead. Her mother, 81-year-old Aggie Roberson, was also beaten, but managed to get out of the house and summon help from neighbors.

They came to her aid and, mistakenly believing Puckett had died of natural causes, began cleaning up the house before police could arrive.

"Part of the crime scene was destroyed by their efforts to clean up what they thought was a natural death, or a non-crime related death," said Lt. Wayne Sears with the Rocky Mount Police Department.

Within 60 days of the crime, reward posters went up, telling the community a reward was being offered for information.

But for almost 30 years, there have been few leads.

Investigators said three people were involved in the attack.

"It's a hard secret to hold between three people," Sears said. "Somebody knows something, somewhere."

Roberson, the only witness, died six years after the crime.

No arrests have been made in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-866-439-2683. there is a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

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