GASTON, N.C. (WTVD) — A man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after two members of his family died last week.

The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that a 72-year-old man and his 70-year-old wife were found shot to death in their front yard.

It happened shortly before 10:30 pm Thursday outside of Gaston. The couple lay in the driveway. Both had been shot at point-blank range. The sheriff’s office said a shotgun was used.

Investigators said the couple’s truck had been stolen. Nearly four hours later, law enforcement officers found the stolen truck in the parking lot of a hotel in Roanoke Rapids.

Ryvaries Butcher, 35, of Gaston, was arrested shortly before 4:30 a.m. Friday. Investigators determined Butcher was related to the victims and was also a close neighbor.

Butcher received no bond on the two murder charges and was given a $35,000 secured bond on one count of felony theft of a motor vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said the motive behind the fatal shooting was still unclear.

“My thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sincerity are with the victims’ families during this tragic time,” said Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith.

The case remains under investigation.