NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, N.C. (WRAL) – An elderly couple was murdered in their home last week near Gaston.

WRAL reports That on November 7 at 10:26 p.m., Northampton County deputies responded to a shooting at a home outside of Gaston. Investigators discovered that husband and wife, Michael Powell, 72, and Carolyn Powell, 70, were found dead in the front yard of their home, near the driveway.

Both victims were shot in the head at close range. Investigators said the suspect had stolen the victims’ truck after shooting the couple and fled the scene.

On November 8 at 2:20 a.m., law enforcement officers found the stolen truck in the parking lot of a local hotel in Roanoke Rapids.

That same day at 4:25 a.m., law enforcement officers from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department arrested Ryvaries Butcher, 35, of Gaston . Investigators discovered Butcher was a close neighbor and relative of the victims.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony theft of a motor vehicle.

“My thoughts, prayers and deepest sincerity are with the victims’ families during this tragic time.” Sheriff Jack Smith said on Facebook.

Butcher received no bond on the first-degree murder charges and received a $35,000 secured bond on the motor vehicle theft charge. His next court date is scheduled for November 19.

The motive behind this shooting homicide is still unclear at this time and is being investigated further. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) assisted with the crime scene investigation.

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