August 23, 2025

Roger Baskins Sentenced for the Murder of Charles Presler

Lancaster County, August 23, 2025

News Summary

Roger Baskins, 53, received a 50-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murdering 65-year-old Charles Wilburn Presler in Lancaster County. The plea, detailed by Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman Jr., avoids a jury trial and comes after serious charges including armed robbery. Baskins was involved in a violent incident that escalated to domestic disturbance, ultimately leading to Presler’s death. The case highlights the tragic outcomes of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims and their families.

Rock Hill

Roger Baskins, aged 53, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of 65-year-old Charles Wilburn Presler in Lancaster County. The guilty plea, which included charges for armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, pointing and presenting a firearm, and malicious injury to property, was announced by Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman Jr. on August 22, 2025.

The plea, which enables Baskins to avoid a jury trial, was entered on August 20, 2025, before Lancaster County Judge David P. Caraker. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes as he handed down the sentence.

Baskins’ involvement in a violent domestic disturbance on May 21, 2025, led to his arrest. Authorities responded to a call about a domestic issue along Memorial Park Road, where Baskins had been staying with relatives. During this incident, he allegedly threatened family members with a gun, fired shots at a car, and vandalized vehicles using a car battery before fleeing the scene. A brief police chase on Willow Lake Road ultimately led to Baskins’ capture.

Investigators discovered Baskins driving a stolen burgundy 1997 Toyota 4-Runner that belonged to Presler. A welfare check requested by Presler’s wife had prompted police to visit his business on Memorial Park Road, where they found him dead from a gunshot wound. Evidence indicated that Baskins arrived at the business approximately one hour after the domestic disturbance unfolded.

Authorities later recovered documents belonging to Presler from Baskins’ possession, and a pistol was found in the vehicle. The investigation suggested that Presler had been robbed before his death, adding further weight to the charges against Baskins.

Presler was characterized by family members as a dedicated father, husband, and grandfather who devoted much of his time working with children with autism. Solicitor Newman expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the case, highlighting the swift progression through the legal system, which he noted provided necessary closure for Presler’s grieving family.

Overall, this case underscores the tragic consequences of domestic violence and violent crime, serving as a reminder of the need for justice in such instances.

FAQ

What were the charges against Roger Baskins?

Roger Baskins was charged with murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, pointing and presenting a firearm, and malicious injury to property.

What led to Baskins’ arrest?

Baskins was arrested after threatening family members with a gun during a domestic disturbance, followed by vandalism and a brief police chase.

How was Charles Wilburn Presler’s death discovered?

Presler’s wife requested a welfare check, which led police to find him dead from a gunshot wound inside his business.

What sentence did Baskins receive?

Roger Baskins was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his crimes.

Key Features of the Case

Feature	Details
Defendant	Roger Baskins, 53
Victim	Charles Wilburn Presler, 65
Charges	Murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, pointing firearm, malicious injury to property
Date of Incident	May 21, 2025
Plea Deal Accepted	August 20, 2025
Sentence	50 years in prison
Investigation Findings	Robbery suspected; Presler was found shot inside his business