Deputies say a juvenile suspect connected to the Hoke County double murder of Ted and Joann Chavis was found dead in Columbus County after taking his own life.
Authorities say a shocking tragedy that started in Hoke County ended in another county after a juvenile suspect—wanted in connection with the murders of a husband and wife—took his own life miles away.
According to the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Monday evening, October 27, just after 6 p.m., to the 1000 block of Cope Road in Red Springs for what was initially reported as a cardiac arrest.
When deputies arrived, they found 52-year-old Ted Chavis and his wife, 48-year-old Joann Chavis, unresponsive inside their home. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office said the couple was stabbed multiple times by their 17-year-old foster son.
Hoke County Double Murder Victims
Investigators quickly determined it was a double homicide, though the cause of death has not been released.
Hours later, law enforcement located the couple’s foster son, the suspected killer, about 50 miles away in Lake Waccamaw, a small town in Columbus County.
Police found the suspect’s vehicle near the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina campus. Officers from multiple agencies—including the Whiteville Fire Department’s Drone Team—joined forces to search the area and secure the scene.
During the search, officers discovered the juvenile suspect, who reportedly took his own life as law enforcement approached. First responders tried to save the teen, but he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities confirmed that no civilians or staff members at the Boys and Girls Homes were harmed during the incident.
Due to the suspect’s age, their identity is being withheld.
1 thought on “Juvenile Suspect in Hoke County Double Murder Takes Own Life in Columbus County”
There are some things that people need to know. Protecting the privacy of murderers is crazy.
RIP to a beautiful couple who made a difference in the world.