Former restaurant manager killed

ROANOKE RAPIDS — Joshua Lindell Rouse is in jail this morning, being held without the chance of bond, in the cutting and stabbing murder of his boss, Sandy Denise Riedel. Riedel used to be a manager at Ruby Tuesday in Eden, said restaurant spokesman Rick Johnson. Johnson would not confirm the dates Riedel worked there, but the Eden business opened in late 2004.

Rouse, 22, was scheduled for his first court appearance this morning, where he would be read his rights and appointed an attorney. He will have the right later to choose to hire his own attorney.

Rouse, a cook at Applebee’s, had no comment as he was being led out of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department yesterday.

Rouse, a convicted felon who served a 5-year, 11-month stretch for a 2003 attempted armed robbery, was charged with first-degree murder in Riedel’s death, which occurred Monday inside the restaurant on Premier Boulevard.

Police Chief Jeff Hinton said Rouse, an employee of the restaurant where the victim had worked since October, was questioned yesterday and ended up confessing to the crime.

He was arrested following intense investigation by the police department and the State Bureau of Investigation.

“We had many leads,” Hinton said, explaining Rouse’s arrest was the result of “just running down leads and long hours of investigation by (Capt. Andy) Jackson and our investigators.”

Hinton declined to elaborate on the murder, but did say the manager was killed sometime between 6:30 and 7:40 a.m. inside the restaurant, sustaining multiple stab and cut wounds.

Hinton told reporters there is evidence indicating a robbery motive because some money was apparently missing but it could not be confirmed with certainty it was the only motive.

Included in the collection of evidence in the case were videotapes from businesses around the restaurant.

Applebee’s corporate officials welcomed the news of Rouse’s arrest. “Knowing he is under arrest is of great comfort to us,” said Elizabeth McGee, chief people officer for the chain. “Sandy was one of our most cherished managers. She was a most integral part of the community and very proud of the community.”

McGee said Applebee’s employees were still trying to process the news about Riedel’s murder. “While she only worked here a short time, we knew she was an enthusiastic and hungry young lady.”

She said Riedel was quick to help employees who needed money for things like diapers and other necessities. “She helped employees and cared for every employee that worked for her.”

Employees at the restaurant have already gathered to remember Riedel and will also participate in a memorial service with Riedel’s family later, McGee said. Grief counselors were called to the restaurant to help them cope with the situation, she said.

Halifax County District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey told the Daily Herald based on what she knows about the case thus far, it does qualify for the death penalty because the crime was allegedly committed during commission of a robbery. Such a decision, however, would not be made until the DA’s office has thoroughly reviewed the case and discussed it with law enforcement and the victim’s family, she said.

Staff writer Robin Clayton contributed to this report.