Search Warrant: Clayton Man Confessed To Killing Mother After Fatal Stabbing

Registered Sex Offender Charged In Mother’s Murder; Warrant Reveals Alleged Confession

CLAYTON, N.C. – Newly released search warrant documents obtained by JoCoReport provide additional details about the May 18 stabbing death of a Clayton woman and allegations that her son admitted responsibility shortly after the attack.

Michael Corteze Sanders, 43, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his mother, 65-year-old Robie Annette Sanders, at the Heritage Court Apartments on East Main Street.

According to a search warrant affidavit filed by Clayton Police Detective N. Budden, officers responded at approximately 8:58 a.m. on May 18 to Apartment 5 at 809 East Main Street after receiving a report of a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they encountered Michael Sanders inside the apartment. Investigators said Sanders was wearing blue jeans and a blue T-shirt and was “covered in blood from head to toe.” Officers reportedly forced entry into the apartment and repeatedly ordered Sanders to come toward them before taking him into custody.

The affidavit states Sanders emerged from the direction of the apartment’s only bedroom, where his mother was later found dead.

Court records indicate a maintenance worker witnessed the attack.

According to the search warrant, a maintenance employee with Heritage Court Apartments was inside the residence completing a work order requested by Robie Sanders when he heard “hollering” coming from the living room and kitchen area.

The worker reportedly told police he observed Michael Sanders holding his mother in a chokehold while repeatedly stabbing her with a sharp object. The maintenance worker said he told Sanders he was calling police before fleeing the apartment and notifying the property manager, who contacted 911, the search warrant stated.

Robie Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

The search warrant affidavit states Michael Sanders later confessed to stabbing his mother after being transported to the Clayton Police Department.

Investigators wrote that Sanders also made additional statements while in custody, including, “I didn’t mean to kill my mom” and “I can’t believe I killed my mom.”

The warrant authorized investigators to obtain DNA swabs, a blood sample, and clothing allegedly worn by Sanders during the attack. An inventory filed with the warrant indicates officers collected DNA swabs, a blood sample, black Nike shoes, a blue T-shirt, blue jeans, and underwear.

Public records show Sanders is also a registered sex offender in North Carolina. State records indicate he was convicted of sexual battery in Johnston County on April 9, 2026, and was placed on 12 months probation. The conviction stemmed from an offense that occurred on February 8, 2024. Sanders registered as a sex offender on April 24, 2026, less than a month before the homicide.

Sanders remains held without bond. The homicide investigation remains ongoing.