Authorities in North Carolina say a 17-year-old foster teen allegedly stabbed his foster parents to death before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a subsequent search in a neighboring county.
Hoke County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in Raeford, North Carolina, on October 27 at around 6 p.m. after a report of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies found two unresponsive adults and quickly began a homicide investigation. The victims were later identified as 46-year-old Joann Nicole Chavis and 53-year-old Ted Matthew Chavis, who authorities say died from multiple stab wounds.
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What Authorities Have Confirmed
In a statement released October 29, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe the couple’s 17-year-old foster son, identified only as “D.P.” due to his age, was the suspect in the killings. The office noted that the initial emergency call referenced a cardiac arrest, but responding deputies transitioned the scene to a homicide investigation after discovering the victims and their injuries.
While investigators have not publicly discussed a possible motive, they emphasized that the investigation remains active and multi-jurisdictional. Sheriff’s offices in Hoke and Columbus counties worked alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Lake Waccamaw Police Department to locate the suspect after the Raeford scene was secured.
How The Multi-Agency Search Unfolded
According to officials, the search led authorities to Columbus County, roughly two hours southeast of Raeford. Investigators located the teen’s vehicle near the Boys & Girls Homes campus in Lake Waccamaw. After determining the suspect was not inside the car, law enforcement, with assistance from the Whiteville Fire Department’s Drone Team, began a thorough sweep of the area and campus facilities.
Authorities say the teen was eventually found inside an unoccupied building. When approached by officers, he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Boys & Girls Homes organization said standard safety procedures were implemented the evening of October 27. “On the evening of October 27, there was an incident on Boys & Girls Homes campus involving an off-campus individual. Standard lockdown procedures were followed, and all Boys & Girls Homes youth and staff members are safe,” the group said in a statement shared with local outlet WWAY. “The incident is under active investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. Thank you to local law enforcement including Columbus County Sheriff’s Department and Lake Waccamaw Fire & Rescue for keeping our staff and, most importantly, our youth safe. We are cooperating with this active investigation.”
Official Statements & Next Steps
Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil expressed condolences to the victims’ loved ones while acknowledging the coordinated response. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chavis family, and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” Sheriff Virgil said. “We are grateful for the assistance provided by our partnering agencies throughout this investigation.”
Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers also addressed the tragedy in a statement posted October 28. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragic situation,” Sheriff Rogers said. “We are grateful for the cooperation between agencies and thankful that no innocent lives were endangered. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and support during difficult times.”
As of the latest updates, the investigation remains ongoing under the leadership of local authorities and the SBI. No additional suspects have been identified, and officials have not reported any ongoing threat to the public connected to the case. Further details, including autopsy findings and a complete timeline of events, are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Raeford is located in Hoke County in south-central North Carolina, while Lake Waccamaw sits in neighboring Columbus County to the southeast. The multi-county response reflects the breadth of the search effort as agencies moved quickly to locate the suspect after the initial scene was processed.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the case thanked first responders and partner departments for their support, underscoring the complex coordination required for multi-jurisdictional searches. The use of aerial drone assistance was among the specialized resources deployed during the operation near the Boys & Girls Homes campus.
Authorities have not released additional information about the teen suspect beyond identifying him by initials, consistent with standard practice involving minors. Officials reiterated that more information will be shared as it can be confirmed, and they urged the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as law enforcement shares new confirmed details.
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