Clayton man charged with murder for allegedly stabbing his mother
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Michael Corteze Sanders, 43, was charged with first degree murder.
- Officers found 65-year-old Robie Annette Sanders with multiple stab wounds and deceased.
- Sanders faces prior convictions and recent charges including drug offenses and larceny.
Clayton police on Monday arrested a 43-year-man they say fatally stabbed his mother at an apartment.
Michael Corteze Sanders was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 65-year-old Robie Annette Sanders after police responded to a report of a stabbing at the Heritage Court Apartments on East Main Street.
Police Chief Greg Tart said officers entered the apartment through a sliding glass door and “encountered” Sanders before discovering his mother and taking him into custody. Johnston County EMS workers determined Sanders had died, the chief said.
Police are still investigating the homicide and a motive in the case.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy Tuesday, the release stated.
Sanders has been convicted more than 10 times in North Carolina for drug charges and larceny, as recently as last month, court records show.
He also was charged with second-degree forcible rape, sexual battery and obstruction of justice in Johnston County in 2024, and was sentenced to 60 days in custody and 12 months probation after being convicted on the obstruction of justice charge, court records show.
Sanders is being held without bail on the new charges and is set to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact investigators with the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611 or the Tip Line at 919-553-1555.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 11:39 AM.
