A Rowan County Grand Jury returned several indictments concerning violent crimes last week.
44-year-old Andy Baldridge was indicted for the murder of Lonnie Leach. According to the indictment, Baldridge struck Leach with his vehicle when the victim was walking on the side of the road on January 22nd. Baldridge is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to help the victim, and being in possession of marijuana at the time. Baldridge is currently being held at the Rowan county Detention Center on a $750,000-dollar bond.
The grand jury also indicted 45-year-old Thomas Bernard on first degree rape and sexual abuse of a minor charges. He is being held in the detention center on a $5,000 cash bond.
36-year-old Carl Carter was indicted on Wanton Endangerment charges for allegedly hitting a victim with an ax handle, then with his vehicle. He is also being charged with being a persistent felony offender and is being held on a $2,000-dollar bond.
32-year-old Clifton Williams was indicted on second-degree strangulation, fourth degree assault and violation of a protective order. Williams was arrested at the time of the incident in January, but released on a $1,000 cash bond.