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Text message leads deputies to dead woman, kidnapped daughter

By Brittney Johnson, wsoctv.com
By Brittney Johnson, wsoctv.com

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Iredell County deputies are investigating a disturbing crime that took place during Christmas weekend. They arrested a man they said tied up a teenager and killed her mother.

Savannah Evans, 13, said she woke up the morning after Christmas to an alarming text from her friend, the victim.

"To call 911, me and my mom need help fast." Evans told Channel 9 while recounting the text message's urgent plea.

She and her grandmother called Iredell County deputies to conduct a welfare check at a home in the 700 block of Cool Springs Road.

The deputies went there looking for Robin Denman and her daughter. Gary Love, 47, answered the door and the sheriff said Love told investigators Denman and her 14-year-old daughter had gone to a funeral.

He then ran out the back of the house, but officers captured him and soon found Denman's 14-year-old daughter.

The teen told them that Love had tied her up and she hadn't seen her mother since Christmas Eve. Officers later found Denman's body in a back room.

"Can't believe this. It is something out of the movies," Savannah's mother, Stephanie Evans, said.

Investigators don't know a lot about Love, but they said he's a transient who has been in the area for about three months and was staying with Denman.

The Evans are relieved officers were able to save the 14-year old, and the girl sent Savannah another text after she was rescued.

"Saying, ‘You're a lifesaver,' and that really broke my heart," Stephanie said.

The girl is safe and currently with relatives.

Love is in the Iredell County Jail without bail and is facing several charges, including murder and rape.

Eyewitness News learned there is an active warrant for his arrest in Ohio. He failed to appear at a trial in November for domestic violence charges he's faced since April.

Authorities are trying to find out if he is connected to any other unsolved crimes.

In addition to the murder charge, Love faces 10 counts of felony statutory sex offense with a child less than 15 years of age, one count of felony first-degree kidnapping, one count felony indecent liberties with a child, one count felony sexual servitude with child victim and one count assault on a female.

In addition to being held without the opportunity for bond. Love received a $3 million secured bond for the newest charges.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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