Wayne Eugene Hill told investigators he choked his ex-girlfriend to death in a fit of anger inside his China Grove home on Friday, then apparently left a note apologizing, according to documents filed in the case.
Hill, 55, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 48-year-old Roxanne Fowler Maddry.
The affadavit outlining Hill’s statements to authorities was filed along with the results of search warrants obtained by investigators.
Among the evidence investigators collected was a handwritten note left on the back steps of Hill’s Poplar Street home. The note said Maddry was inside the home and that the writer was “sorry” for the pain caused, according to the affidavit.
Maddry’s son reported her missing on Saturday. China Grove police found her car at Hill’s home around 7:45 p.m. that evening. She’d gone there sometime Friday, investigators said.
Hill left the home and his pickup truck was abandoned in a ditch near the Stanly-Montgomery county line. He was found Sunday morning in a wooded area not far from where he’d left the vehicle, authorities said.
The search warrant lists a number of items that were collected as well as blood and DNA swabs that were taken from Hill’s home. Investigators took DNA swabs from Hill’s bathroom, kitchen, rear door, bedroom, living room and clothing. Hill’s clothing and other items, including a will belonging to Hill, were collected.
Investigators also collected items of Maddry’s, including clothing, her purse, receipts, mail and printed directions from her vehicle.
Investigators also saw dried blood stains throughout the home. It was Hill’s blood, the documents said.
Investigators found receipts and a surveillance video that showed he went to Rite Aid in China Grove after leaving his home Saturday and bought medical bandage supplies. When Hill was found, investigators said he had cuts to both wrists.
In his statement to authorities, Hill did not say why he became angry.
China Grove Police, who are investigating the crime, have been assisted by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation. Lt. Chad Moose with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office issued the search warrant Wednesday morning, four days after Maddry’s body was found inside Hill’s house.
At Hill’s first court appearance this week, James Davis Sr. of Salisbury was appointed as his attorney.
Hill is a well known karate instructor in China Grove. It appeared Hill and Maddry had dated on and off for some time. Maddry’s family told a Post reporter she went to Hill’s home because he asked her over to give her a gift. The affidavit does not address why Maddry went to Hill’s home. Maddry worked at F&M Bank for nearly 17 years. A memorial service was held for her on Wednesday.
Hill is being held in the county jail without bond.