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He Screamed " I'm Going To Kill You" Save Email Print
Posted: 7:42 PM Aug 27, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:15 PM Aug 27, 2008
 Reporter: Dave Jordan
59 comments
A | A | A

Just one week into classes at East Carolina University and already police officers are investigating an on-campus assault.

ECU police say a woman at Fletcher residence hall opened the door for a man who posed as a resident and said he left his key. A witness says, once inside he followed the woman to the bathroom and attacked her.

Mike Rose says he heard screams and quickly took action. Rose says, "When I go in there he started strangling her, telling her he was going to kill her. I kicked him in the face as hard as I could and he released her."

Rose and two other residents held the woman's assailant down. Michael Mewborn, 27 years-old, is now charged with assault with the intent to kill. He's in the Pitt County Detention Center under a $750,000 bond.
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Posted by: KRISTIN Location: WILMINGTON on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Was this a random attack?
Posted by: Matthew Location: Greenville NC on Aug 31, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I have known mike for six years or more. This is not like him. This is very shocking for those who know him.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: duplin co on Aug 31, 2008 at 02:39 PM
God bless you guys that step up to help someone in need.
Posted by: Cat Location: Goldsboro on Aug 31, 2008 at 07:55 AM
God bless you to the guys that rescued that young lady. Too many people look the other way. These guys are heroes.
Posted by: Keith Location: Greenville on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:29 PM
I hope that this young lady will get better emotionally and physically. It is important that students not to let people piggy back behind them in the dorms. If that person dont have a key, let them call the RA to be let in. If that dont work call the police for them to be idetified. Good job to the guys who helped this young lady.
Posted by: Mom Location: Newport on Aug 30, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Reddog, No one was Majorly Harmed?? She was 17 years old. I believe that I understand your post, however..Many of us have real problems. I know what happened that night, My son was there. He helped, He is the "Other" Mike.... People talk about sides, Yes he has a side, It Still makes him guilty! He was "KILLING" her. (The respected Restarant & Bar Mike you used to know) She is not majorly harmed or didnt die, because someone helped. She is not going to just forget and be okay. She will be scared for life! I hope she recovers too. I pray for the young girl and her family & his Family, I really do!!, When I stop being afraid of all those other Nice, respectable people that are going through rough times and have problems. I am sure I will Pray for him. But until then 6,000 students (one of which my 18 year old son) Live on that Campus and countless others Universities and "We" need to make sure like you said that Legally he is judged, because God will definetly judge him. He saw it all
Posted by: RedDog Location: Greenville on Aug 30, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Mr. Mewborn resides in Tenn now, but @ one time he was a resident of Greenville, NC and familiar to many people & at one time very respected within the restaurant & bar community. This is not an action by the Mike many of us used to know. And, I am in no way trying to make excuses or justify his recent horrible actions. But, he must experiencing problems of some sorts beyond our understanding. Thank goodness nobody was majorly harmed in this altercation. I hope the victim recovers from her experiences completely. And, I hope Mr. Mewborn comes to terms with his inner troubles and accepts his punishment as however it is legally deamed fit.
Posted by: sheila Location: chocowinity on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM
im so glad the young lady and guys are ok and that they caught the man that committed the crime. glad to see the students stand up and protect each other.these guys are heroes for risking their lives to save another student and for restraining the man who committed the crime. thank god he was caught so maybe he want be able to hurt another victim. way to go guys. glad the young lady is ok. young lady dont beat yourself up so much-you were trying to help a what you thought was another student.just learn from your mistake and go on just like we all do in life everyday.yall all keep looking out for each other-that will make a big difference in your campus. i hope you guys are honored for your bravery for helping a fellow student-you deserve it. go pirates.
Posted by: Bob D Location: Martin Co on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:56 PM
I'd would have told him that I would kill him back.for crying out loud.
Posted by: ryan Location: greenville on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
MW dont read into it too much. i know what he did was wrong i am just curious to hear what he has to say...
Posted by: MW Location: RM on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Ryan, any time a stranger yells out to a VICTIM, "I am going to kill you"-- his side of the story is null..
Posted by: ryan Location: greenville on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:13 PM
thanks THE KID. you must know more on this story than anyone. i didnt see times in the story. i just hope she is ok and we hear more of this to make sure this doesnt happen again.
Posted by: Carl on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Dave, Mike rose is actually a pretty strong athletic kid, as someone who lifts weights with him everyday, i know first hand. The kid cant weigh more than 170, but is puttin up at least 275 on the bench and is way stronger than his size would show. But as always said, its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog, and this is one of the toughest people i know. Most people would prefer not to mess with him.
Posted by: the kid.. on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
its ECU, students roam campus and stay up 24/7 it was only 145 AM, which is like 11 pm ECU time. There are cameras in the building, and theyve watched them, and everything happened as explained, no more to the story. Just a sick freak who had anger built up inside, which was shown throught the alcohol
Posted by: ryan Location: greenville on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
i know that this is horrible but before we all jump we need to hear both sides, was this really an attack or someone getting caught...and what were all these students doing up this late or early however you look at it. this is just too weird for me. im not saying it isnt tru because he used to live here and knows greenville but this is just not like him to do something like this..i am waiting for more on this story!!
Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:10 AM
This Mike Rose guy looks like a walking pipe cleaner. I find it hard to believe that he is a hero.
Posted by: Proud Purple Alum Location: NE NC on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:37 AM
To the Young Lady: My thoughts are with you & your family. It's not your fault! The man intentionally deceived you & what you did is common practice (proud '93 Pirate alumni & former dorm resident). I hope you will successfully overcome the emotional scars the experience will leave you with, and extend my prayers for that. Take care. God bless & be with you. Mr. Rose & friends: You are heroes! You saved this young lady, and your acts duly saved other potential, future, victims. I highly commend you for your selfless bravery. I'm glad to hear you were not harmed in the process. God was with you. As another poster stated, I know your family is proud, as I'm not your mom, and I'm proud of you! Good job! Be careful out there & take care. God Bless. Luke 10: 25-37 is about you! Scary, sick, disturbed & deranged Mr. Mewborn is locked up, but he needs to stay that way. I truly hope that will happen, long-term, & he will pay for his crime. GO PIRATES! Paint it Purple!
Posted by: Kat Location: Washington on Aug 29, 2008 at 05:30 AM
I lived in Fletcher in the first room to the left on the first floor, in 1984!! It used to be the safest place on campus as the doors were always locked. I think keycards needs to be instituted or more security. My Lord, how times have changed.
Posted by: Donna Location: Charlotte on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:04 AM
I've changed my mind about coed dorms...
Posted by: grandmon Location: Katy Tx on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Way to go Mike You are a true hero
Posted by: Tod Location: 7 springs on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:29 PM
ecu 1988 way to go Mr. Rose you did the right thing, lots of people would have frozen up injustice must be met with swift strong justice again and again and again dont forget to study hard to fella
Posted by: Emmons Location: greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:07 PM
mike rose, the most legendary safety/receiver from west carteret history.. when i think of this veteran i get flashbacks of vietnam.. such a survivor. ive dreamt of having a partner in crime like this, medal of honor.. no doubt in my mind
Posted by: nick quaranto Location: ecu on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:05 PM
thats whats up..go mike.
Posted by: marcy Location: ecu student on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:35 PM
this story made me scared but happy to see that people do actually care for other people than just themselves. thank gosh the guys were there. and i hope the girl is safe. ive been thinking about if shes ok all day.
Posted by: wc87 Location: ?? on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:14 PM
go mike! talk about bein' a hero!!
Posted by: kate Location: white hall on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:57 PM
i think i saw that guy before that happened he walked up to a group of me and my friends and just stood by us for a while i thought it was real creepy but he was clearly drunk and then after standing there a while walked away. how strange
Posted by: mykia Location: new bern on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:35 PM
School just it's safe anymore. How can you get a Education when you have things like this happening.
Posted by: gabyyy Location: gvegas on Aug 28, 2008 at 04:55 PM
mike rose is basically a modern day chuck norris... which means he's basically my hero!! :D
Posted by: Jake Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Man to just let everyone know, a kick in the face by Mike Rose is like being hit by an 18-wheeler...im surprized if the guy is still alive.
Posted by: max graham Location: east carolina on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:34 PM
mike is the man no doubt too bad i wasnt there with him i prolly wouldnt have stopped kicking that dude
Posted by: fyi on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Mr Mewborn was in town on buisness. This is a very unfortunate incident. I am thankful that the Lord kept all parties safe. Mr. Rose indeed acted heroically. I pray that the young lady is physcially and emotionally well.

POST EDITED
Posted by: G'ville Girl Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:01 PM
For all of you "don't let anyone in the dorm" people, this girl's policing probably wouldn't have made a difference. He surely would've attacked her anyway seeing that he did what he did inside. He said it - he was going to kill her!! Would trying to stop him outside with no one around have made a difference? I doubt it. As for the co-ed dorm, I say that it worked out pretty good to have a strong man around. I know it doesn't always pay to be a hero, but Mike did a fantastic job helping this young lady and I'm glad they were not hurt. I believe everyone should be cautious of strangers in general because there is a lot of danger out there, but this person had an agenda and anything she said to him probably wouldn't have mattered. I don't know you, Mike, but as a woman, I'm glad to know there are men like you around!
Posted by: MW Location: RM on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:51 PM
For those of you who say she not have let him in- you must not have EVER attended college and lived on campus. I cannot tell you how many times I left my key and had to wait for someone to let me in. Visiting fellow students if I could not get buzzed in I would wait and then get let in, many times by the RA himself. This is common practice in most college dorms. I am just happy she is safe and someone helped her. Heck this could have happened in the parking lot- what you say then? she should not have went to her car without another student? come on-- get real.. the guy was going to hurt someone no matter what.
Posted by: wendy Location: goldsboro,nc on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Thank you Mike Rose!You are a hero.You saved this young woman's life.We need more good guys like you.
Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:43 PM
this is what happens when you are denied the right to defend yourself. Any place that denies you your constitutional right to bear arms should be liable in the event you are attacked on thier premises.
Posted by: Bigman Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:52 PM
They are not supposed to come in without a key anyway. If they lost their key they are supposed to contact the police. College students should NEVER let anyone in they don't know is a student. That is common sense and it is also the policy. Thank goodness someone was there to protect this young lady from her mistake.
Posted by: Concerned Location: Greenville, N. C. on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:50 PM
The news says this person was from Tennessee. Does he live here, visiting here or what?
Posted by: Jake Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:53 AM
I know Mike personaly and I can say with confidense that Mike Rose is my hero.
Posted by: Rena' Location: Creswell on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I would like to say thank you to the young gentleman. It was very honorable of you to risk your own life to help a fellow person. Maybe this will get more people to get involved when they see someone in need. Thanks again!
Posted by: Teressa Location: Creswell on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:59 AM
As a mother it's nice to know that there are people still willing to help someone even though they are risking their own life. I applaud this young man's heroic deed.
Posted by: citizen Location: greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:53 AM
thank you mike! this is a wonderful story and if it weren't for you guys, man. Great job and thank you for helping her! (I don't know any of you involved but I thank you!)
Posted by: unk on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I wish Mr. Rose had had steel toed shoes on!!! Great job!! He should at least be honored at half time at the first home football game and have a private boxed seat at the game.
Posted by: BooBoo Location: here on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:42 AM
If she didn't let him in, would he have attacked her outside the building? Maybe her actions saved her life?
Posted by: Webster on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:06 AM
While I agree with Po-Po that we should all watch out for and take care of each other, I think they would be considered a hero. You decide: Main Entry: he·ro Pronunciation: \ˈhir-(ˌ)ō\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural heroes Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek hērōs Date: 14th century 1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage 2 a: the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in an event, period, or movement 3plural usually heros : submarine 2 4: an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol
Posted by: Mike Rose Location: ECU on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Appreciate everyone for the kind words, i dont consider myself a hero either, i just did the best i could in a serious situation. I never really thought twice about it, it was just somthin your body kinda reacts to, and i guess mine made the right choices, and i thank god for that, i know he was on me and the victims side throughout it all.
Posted by: james on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:52 AM
my lil bro, mike rose...played football with the dude...partied with the dude, hes always done the right thing without thinkin twice about it
Posted by: Sarah Location: Fayetteville/creswell on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:38 AM
ok, 1st off this sounds like something a kid would do. I say never let anybody in the house no matter what they say. if the person has forgotten his key then show some school id thru the window, no id no getting in. i bet this will stop her from letting just anybody in now.
Posted by: The Po-Po Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:16 AM
While the students did do a great thing by defending that girl, I really do not consider them a "hero"... Society as a whole should be defending those that cannot defend themselves like the elderly, women, and children. I applaud those students for standing up for what is right and not letting that scum either kill this girl, or leave to strike again at another college girl!
Posted by: a neighbor and alumni on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:58 AM
wow....never let anyone in if you don't know them. THe young man and others that came to her rescue are heros. they need to be recognized. God put those young men in that spot for a reason...thank you. your bravery to help the female student was a blessing...anything could have happened. There need to be campus security 24/7 in the lobby of each dorm. just coming by every now and then doesn't help. The security need guns to protect the students. students and parents need a peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe away from home.
Posted by: Dorm Resident Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:58 AM
If you don't know who wants to come in your dorm, ask them to show a ECU student ID. Common Sense!!
Posted by: BBQ Lover Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:26 AM
Whew! I'm glad this girl is alright! I don't live alone, but I don't open my front door for anyone I Don't know, and I'm 44 and female!
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Great Job guys, kick butt ask questions later. You heard a woman in distress and you put an "S" on you chest and went to work. I so hope you get some kind on monetary reward. But I'll pray that all the single ECU women will see that you guys are studs and you'll have to beat them off with brooms. First...go to class, Second....do your work....,Third....date all the woman who now know you guys are super bad! I know your mom's are proud, because your not my boys and I'm proud of you.
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:24 PM
"ECU student", that's my point; if you don't know someone, don't let them in. I know it seems rude, but safety first. I'm just glad that she and the hero are safe. If someone wants to get in a building, then they should call their friends who stay in the dorm. If someone doesn't have any friends in the dorm, and he/she locked himself out, then there should be a number for him to call the RA on duty. The responsible RA should then ask to see the student's ID before letting him in. Hopefully, security and police are near the dorm. Campus safety is a challenge on any large campus.
Posted by: Mom Location: Home in Newport,NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I am very pround of the Young man "Hero" involved. He has been to ECU 1 week. He Kept His cool, there is much more than reported, he did all the right things, he got help as quickly as possible, and then acted. I am glad he was not afraid to help. I thank God he is a Christian and the Lord was with both of them that night. Hopefully they have all learned from this experience. Good job Mike!
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:19 PM
It's a good reason not to have co-ed dorms to begin with. Then any male entering is already suspect. No men, no problems. As for the people who helped this girl, GREAT JOB!
Posted by: Uncle Alan Location: Katy TX on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Mike Rose kickin butt just like I taught him. Thats my nephew. Way to go Mike, good job.
Posted by: ecu student Location: ecu campus on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:06 PM
She had no way of knowing if he was actually a resident or not. We have only been in the dorms for 2 weeks. Some less than that. Fletcher Hall is a coed dorm. And its a pretty big dorm at that. There is no way she could have known that.
Posted by: Ordnanceman Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:43 PM
At least they caught the creap
Posted by: Duke Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:37 PM
What is going on in Greenville? I've been here for 20 years. And I'm about to leave the "Pitt" county as soon as I can. GO Pirates!
Posted by: Retired Campus LEO Location: Belhaven on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Those students who intervened and held the offender until the cops arrived are heroes. Great job, guys! They should be honored. As a matter of fact, ECU should have some sort of program for rewarding student or staff citizens who act in this fashion. To my former coworkers at the ECU Police Department, please push HARD for these student to be recognized, and rewarded. That type of citizenship is what's missing in society today. Those students saved the life of a fellow student. They don't know me, but I am very, very proud of them. Again, GREAT JOB, GUYS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:28 PM
If a person does not look extremely familiar (as in a student you constantly see in the dorm), don't open the door.
Posted by: OMG! on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Crack kills. He's obviously on something or just mentally insane.
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