UPDATED: Middle Township Native Dies in Fla. Burglary Gone Bad

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — A former Rio Grande resident was recently found murdered in her Florida home and her neighbor has been arrested in connection with the crime, according to published reports.
On Tuesday, July 28, Roberta “Bobbie” Christensen, a former Middle Township, school district and Rio Grande Wawa employee, was discovered by her son Eric with injuries that were “most likely the result of a homicide,” a Palm Beach Post story reported. A release from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office stated the “nature of the injury appears to be from a sharp instrument.”
According to the sheriff’s arrest report, Christensen’s neighbor Dale Middleton from across the street was seen by witnesses carrying a large screen television in the area shortly before officers arrived. Police investigation revealed that Middleton had been planning to rob Christensen for several days.
During interviews with officers, Middleton repeatedly changed his story. Ultimately, he said he had entered Christensen’s home, but did not commit the murder. During a search of his home, police found evidence in Middleton’s bedroom consistent with that found at the crime scene.
Middleton was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, armed burglary of an occupied dwelling and dealing in stolen property.
Christensen’s murder has come as a shock to many of her friends, family and former colleagues in Middle Township.
“Roberta was a good friend who would give you the world,” said township employee and Christensen’s friend Bonnie Millard. “She was kind, compassionate and very much into her family, who were the most important people in her life. She and Eric were inseparable, they did everything together.”
“As quickly as Roberta won our hearts, our hearts were broken by her tragic death,” added another township employee and old friend Dawn Stimmel. “We will always remember our dear friend as that sassy petite red head who wore her heart on her sleeve. She would tell us how tough she was, but we never saw that side of her. We only ever saw her kind and loving nature, her love for her family, her dedication as a hard worker, her ability to give a big hug when needed, her love for animals and her beautiful spirit. We will deeply miss our friend.”
“Everybody loved Roberta, she was one of our best (township) employees,” said Charles M. Leusner, former mayor.
According to her obituary in the Press of Atlantic City, Christensen was born in Court House and lived in Rio Grande before moving to Okeechobee five years ago. She enjoyed crocheting and playing video games especially pogo. She was a terrific mother to her own children and her children’s friends. She loved her co-workers and was always there to help. She loved flowers.