A North Carolina couple was killed, and their 17-year-old foster son is believed to be responsible. The teen later died by suicide as police were closing in.
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Department said deputies went to a home in Raeford, North Carolina, on Monday after getting a call about someone having a heart problem. When they arrived, they found a man and woman who were not breathing. Police quickly realized they were dealing with a homicide.
Investigators determined that the couple had been stabbed many times.
The victims were identified as 46-year-old Joann Nicole Chavis and 53-year-old Ted Matthew Chavis. Police identified their foster son, only named as “D.P.,” as the person they believed was responsible.
Authorities from several law enforcement agencies tracked the teen down to Lake Waccamaw. As officers approached, the teen took his own life with a gunshot, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Roderick Virgil expressed his condolences to the Chavis family and thanked the other agencies for their help. Sheriff Bill Rogers of Columbus County also shared his sympathy and emphasized the importance of support during difficult times.
During the search, police found the teen’s car near the Boys and Girls Homes campus in Lake Waccamaw. After searching the area, they found the suspect in one of the unoccupied buildings, where he took his own life. He was taken to a hospital but could not be saved.
The Boys and Girls Homes said that the incident involved someone from off-campus and that all their youth and staff were safe. They are working with investigators.
The case is still being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hoke County Sheriff’s Department at (910) 875-5111.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text 988 anytime in the US and Canada. In the UK, you can call 111.
