Two suspects charged earlier this year in a Madison County murder-for-hire case have been found dead in Cullman County after authorities spent several days searching for the pair following new arson and drug-related charges.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office said investigators located Kristin Slayton and Christopher Robertson during an extensive search that began June 9 in the Welti community.
The search started after Madison County authorities notified Cullman County investigators that the two suspects, who were wanted on arson and drug-related charges, were believed to be in the area.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies and investigators responded to a structure fire near County Road 765. Authorities said the suspects were believed to be nearby because one of them owned property in the area.
Investigators discovered Slayton’s body on June 10 while searching property near the fire scene. Authorities then issued a statewide BOLO, or be-on-the-lookout alert, for Robertson and continued searching the area.
On June 11, members of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit located Robertson’s remains, bringing the search to a close.
Sheriff Matt Gentry praised investigators for their efforts during the operation.
“Our investigators worked tirelessly over the last 48 hours, enduring extreme heat and difficult terrain, to bring this case to a close,” Gentry said. “We are grateful for the dedication of our deputies and investigators and their continued commitment to serving our community and protecting our citizens.”
Gentry also said the community is safe and thanked residents for their support and cooperation throughout the investigation.
The discoveries are the latest development in a criminal case that began in February when Madison County authorities charged Slayton and Robertson with conspiracy to commit murder.
Authorities alleged the pair solicited another person to kill Robert Slayton, Kristin Slayton’s husband. Both defendants were arrested and later released on bond.
More recently, authorities accused the pair of involvement in an arson fire at a residence on Hemlock Drive in Huntsville. Court records identified the property as Robertson’s residence and Slayton’s last known address.
Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner previously said detectives from both agencies remained in close contact throughout the investigation.
“This is the side of law enforcement the public doesn’t always see,” Turner said. “Investigations often require extensive coordination between agencies, and that’s exactly what has taken place in this case.”
The developments also prompted public comments from Robert Slayton, the intended victim in the murder-for-hire case.
In an interview with WAFF, Slayton said his wife had been involved in a relationship with Robertson. He alleged Robertson was the driving force behind the murder-for-hire plot and said he believed Robertson was motivated by life insurance money.
“I was supposed to get into another car, and they were supposed to shoot me, and Chris was supposed to take me out to Cullman and bury me on his property,” Slayton told the television station.
Slayton also said he was devastated to learn of his wife’s death, though he was not surprised by the outcome. He told the outlet that Kristin Slayton had sent him messages asking for help before her death.
Authorities have not released causes of death for either Slayton or Robertson. Investigators also have not publicly said whether the deaths are connected to one another or to the structure fire that prompted the search.
The deaths remain under investigation.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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