A local man is facing charges after allegedly harassing the family of a Readyville man accused of murder. Benjamin Roberts was arrested this weekend after he reportedly went to the Lion’s Pizza Den on the square and began shouting obscenities and threatening the Durham family. Randy Durham, owner of Lion’s Den, was arrested after he reportedly shot Ronnie Baxter at a home on Hollow Springs Road following an altercation between the children of the two. Durham has been released on bond, but was not present at the pizza shop when the incident occurred.
Roberts allegedly showed up at the store and got into an altercation with members of Durham’s family over the murder. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene after Roberts refused to leave. Witnesses said Roberts threatened the family and acted disorderly. He is also accused of raising his fist at the brother-in-law of Durham. Roberts was taken into custody immediately and now faces charges of criminal trespass and assault.
This was just one of a string of harassment incidents which have centered around the murder and have been directed at the Durham family. In addition to the Roberts incident, someone threw a rock and busted the pizza shop’s window. That incident is still under investigation. The Durhams have also reportedly received death threats and other pieces of property have been vandalized.
Roberts is currently free on $10,500.00 bond and will appear before General Sessions Judge Susan Melton next month.