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.
North Carolina man found shot dead at Gaston Boat Landing after his ex-girlfriend wanted to meet up
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.
