North Carolina deputies have made an arrest in connection to the deaths of Michael Powell, 72, and his wife Carolyn Powell, 70, who were found shot at close range outside their home on the night of November 7.
The Discovery
At approximately 10:26 p.m. last Thursday, Northampton County deputies responded to a residence near Gaston, where they discovered the couple lying in the front yard near their driveway, both shot at point-blank range. According to investigators, the elderly couple had been fatally shot.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Law enforcement quickly identified a suspect in the case: 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher, who is not only a close neighbor but also a relative of the Powells. Authorities allege that Butcher shot the couple before stealing their truck and fleeing the scene.
Around 2:20 a.m. on Friday, November 8, officers located the stolen truck parked at a hotel in Roanoke Rapids. Approximately two hours later, at 4:25 a.m., Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department, arrested Butcher without incident.
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Charges and Court Date
Butcher faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle. He is currently held without bond on the murder charges, with a $35,000 secured bond for the vehicle theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 19.
4 thoughts on “Relative arrested for shooting an elderly couple in North Carolina in the head at point-blank range, killing them”
Myself and my daughter’s father met the Powell’s back in 2017-2018 and have stayed in touch with them ever since. Last I spoke to them, we were discussing about coming to visit so they could meet the kids about a month before the incident. I had to hear about their deaths when he called me crying and told me what happened. I do not remember the rest but it was tough having to even think about how their lives were taken away that quick. R.i.p Mr and Mrs. Powell and I will graduate and carry you guys with me for you both were family to me. #LLTHEPOWELLS
LLC&LLM
that was my aunt and uncle and i loved them so much they were very kind hearted people and they almost taught me everthing i know
that was my aunt and uncle and i loved them so much they were very kind hearted people and they almost taught me everything i know everytime i think about them i just start crying because i love them so much and forever will!!! rip aunt carolyn and uncle mack