2 Couples Arrested For Armed Robbery In Burke County

HILDEBRAN, NC — Deputies have arrested two couples involved in a Monday night armed robbery.

Officials say Justin Wilson, 29, Eugene Stafford, 46, Kimberly Freeman, 31, and Shirley Abee, 52, were all involved in an armed robbery that happened around 10:10pm at a home on Warlick’s Church Road. Reports say Stafford posed as a victim in the crime but was actually involved with the three other suspect.

While Stafford visited the victim, officials say Wilson broke into the back door, held a knife to Stafford and the victim’s throats, and demanded money while threatening to kill them. Investigators determined at the scene that Stafford and Wilson had planned the robbery and were working together, along with their respective girlfriends.

Stafford was arrested at the scene by Burke County deputies, and Caldwell County deputies later located Freeman, Wilson, and Abee at an apartment on Cherrywood Road in Hudson, NC.

Stafford, Freeman, and Abee are each charged with Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Wilson is charged with Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.