National Guardsman Arrested on Murder Solicitation Charges
A North Carolina National Guardsman has been taken into custody over allegations of soliciting murder against the man responsible for his mother's death nearly eight years ago.
Charlie Kennedy
- 2024-01-12
- Updated 12:33 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Rhett Michael Barlow, a 22-year-old member of the North Carolina National Guard, was arrested on January 6 for attempting to engage a hitman to kill Donald Caulder, Jr. The arrest follows months of investigation leading to the issue of a warrant on January 5. Barlow, who has been in the Guard since 2019 and stationed with the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, reportedly sought closer placement to Caulder prior to his arrest. Barlow’s mother, Michelle Barlow, was killed on March 22, 2016, when her minivan was struck by a dump truck driven by Caulder on Capital Boulevard/US 1 in Wake Forest, due to what was suspected to be driver fatigue or distraction.
Emotional Ties to Crime
Barlow's emotional connection to the case stems from the death of his mother, Michelle Barlow, in a motor vehicle accident for which Donald Caulder, Jr. was found guilty. Caulder pleaded guilty to misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, receiving a suspended sentence and 12 months on probation. On November 28, 2023, the same day Barlow attempted to hire an assassin, he also purchased an AR-15 Springfield Rifle and a second gun, which raised suspicion around his intent.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Barlow was detained at Fort Liberty during training by the US Army Criminal Investigation Division and subsequently handed over to Wake Forest police. Upon arrest, he was booked on a first-degree felony charge and is being held on a $1 million bond at the Wake County Detention Center. The person he approached to carry out the murder notified authorities and thus will not face charges. Ordered by a judge during his initial court appearance, Barlow underwent a mental health assessment. His case is slated for a disposition hearing on January 29.
The incident follows a similar situation in April, where Tennessee Air National Guardsman Josiah Ernesto Garcia was taken into custody under comparable circumstances for attempting to contract a hitman using a fraudulent website. The events underscore the ongoing challenges military personnel may face with mental health and the potential for consequential actions.
