WNY Native Murdered in Disturbing Crime
A murder in West Virginia has ties to Orleans County. A Medina native was found dead this week, allegedly killed by her boyfriend, her body dismembered. YNN's Kate McGowan spoke with the victim's older brother, who describes this crime as disturbing.
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MEDINA, N.Y. -- It was too difficult for Michael Rhim to appear on camera. But he wanted to share with others details about the life of his sister, Carol Rhim.
"She was a nice person, really happy, and friendly."
Carol grew up in Medina. The 53-year-old, and mother of four, moved to West Virginia two years ago, seeking a fresh start and wanting to be closer to her brother, Teddy.
Michael said he was close with his sister, and created many memories with her. Memories he won't soon forget.
"That's what I'll miss most about her, the growing years," Michael said.
Authorities in West Virginia believe Carol's boyfriend, 54-year-old, Nathaniel Lawton murdered her Tuesday. Police describe a gruesome murder in which Rhim's body was cut up in pieces. Investigators found her head and hands in the trunk of Lawton's car.
On Thursday, Lawton fatally shot himself in the head, as sheriff's deputies were closing in on him.
Michael said, "Even now, it's unbelievable what's going through my head."
Teddy Rhim said, "People get a moment of rage, and then they catch themselves, that's human nature. But he went above and beyond. He snapped to the ultimate."
Police are not exactly sure how Carol was murdered. But authorities received a tip that Lawton bought a hacksaw from an auto-parts store, which may have been used in the crime.
Michael said investigators continue to comb parts of Ohio, where Lawton was spotted after the murder, hoping to find the rest of Carol's body.
"They haven't found her yet, but they have 40 people looking for her in Jackson, Ohio on Interstate 35 or something like that."
Michael never met his late sister's boyfriend. Michael did say his brother describes Lawton as severely jealous, and possessive.
He said, "We're all going to die, but ya know, there's ways of dying too that nobody would ever think somebody like that would happen to them."
Michael said the emotions he now faces will be tough to shake. But he is turning to family, hoping to find some closure.
"She'll be missed, she'll be very well missed but we'll all bond together from this."
Michael told YNN that in the coming weeks, a funeral service will be held in both West Virginia and Medina.