On Wednesday November 1, 2006, Robert Whiteside at age 56, was found by his partner Warren Butler, murdered at his Veranda. It was apparent that the murder occurred during a robbery the night of October 30. 

The convicted shooter, Mark Aaron Rains, a 21-year-old local once employed by Whiteside to help in his kitchen, was quickly found and arrested in Dallas by the repeated use of Robert’s credit card at a local gas station. He admitted three times to the crime and escaped once from jail. In exchange for the release of friends who aided in his escape and in order to avoid the death sentence, Rains plead guilty on July 1, 2008. 

On July 8, 2008 at the Franklin County Courthouse, Rain’s was sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole

Robert Whiteside was an American born artist known for re-creations of Fabergé eggs for celebrities and dignitaries across the globe. His talents extended well beyond that of an artist; many considered him a modern renaissance man. He was a musician, painter, chef, pilot, and a restaurant owner on his 68-acre Bed and Breakfast called the Veranda. Known for his re-creations of Fabergé eggs, Robert’s art has been seen and collected around the world. Robert's works have been granted as Gifts of State from the Reagan Administration, which also held a collection.

Four page handwritten letter. Letter is general content and is signed in full. Original matching handwritten envelope is included.