A Letter to the Editor From Rhino Times Reader Robin Freedman
Dear Greensboro Community,
I am Robin Freedman, the sister of Mark Freedman. On election night, November 3rd, 2020, my brother was tragically murdered while leaving his restaurant, Mark’s on Dolly Madison. Our hearts were shattered beyond repair. Mark was not only a wonderful brother but a true friend to many and a deeply committed member of this community. For over 40 years, he lived in Greensboro, running three restaurants and helping shape the city’s food culture. His creations didn’t just nourish locals—they were enjoyed by well-known visitors alike. Beyond his culinary contributions, Mark was compassionate, often giving his time to feed the city’s homeless and volunteering with local nonprofits.
It has now been four years, and my brother’s killer remains free. Since Mark’s death, I’ve been reading the local newspaper daily, and I am heartbroken to see that there are so many murders in Greensboro. Each one feels like another blow to families like mine, grieving and waiting for justice. Every time I see another headline, I can’t help but picture the desk of the detective working on my brother’s case, now buried under more unsolved crimes. I find myself thinking, “Will they be able to focus on Mark’s case today? Or has another tragedy taken priority?”
I want to commend Greensboro law enforcement for their dedication to finding my brother’s killer. I have faith in their work, but I believe they are overwhelmed. The violent crime rate continues to be higher than the national rate (US News and World Report 2022). They need more resources—more officers, more experts, and faster access to the technical analysis that could lead to an arrest. I’ve learned that it can take months to get critical evidence processed.
All the while, my brother’s murderer remains unaccountable. How many more cases like this are sitting on their desks, waiting for the tools and time to be resolved? We need swift action to ensure that no family must endure the kind of uncertainty and pain that we are going through. Please support more resources for the Greensboro Police. If you know anything—anything at all—about my brother’s murder, I beg you to come forward. Contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. All tips are anonymous, and your information could help bring justice to Mark and peace to our family.
Despite this unimaginable pain, my family and I have been overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve received from the Greensboro community. I now understand why my brother chose to call this city his home for more than four decades. Your kindness fuels our strength, and we will not stop fighting until my brother’s killer is brought to justice.
Sincerely,
Robin Freedman
Robin and the Freedman Family,
I wanted you to know someone saw and acknowledged your letter. There are too many unsolved murders and missing person cases in Guilford County and the State of NC. It’s not only sad but becomes a continuing emotional mess for those wanting answers for the loss of the person they loved.
A dear friend of mine lost her son to a murder several years ago at the coast and there is still no information about the case even though there seemed to be leads immediately after his death. At first, there were constant questions, calls, asking, hoping, and now years later there is – nothing. Knowing that there will most likely be nothing unless something very unusual happens, friends and family eventually keep going on with life that always has a huge piece missing from it. It’s a strange way to live, wondering if every unfamiliar phone number will be the one with an answer.
I do hope one day you get that call. I hope my friend Debbie does too.
I hope they find the person.
Extremely well said.
This is such a passioned plea for help on a worthy cause. Hopefully a clue is forthcoming, and we can put our differences aside and also pray for peace in this family.
It has taken way too long. Sometimes the direction of resources is way too skewed, depending on the Cowboy Cop in charge.
That was well said.
I hope they find the killer.
It is absurd that no one saw nor heard ANYTHING, you would think that with the reward $$$, although it will not bring our beloved Mark back, would have someone speak up way before now. The community was a much brighter place with Mark’s presence in it. He is missed everyday.
Did I read or hear somewhere that Mark’s sous chef was also killed?