A double homicide in Mount Hermon, Louisiana, left a long-married couple dead on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Beverly Ann Stokes, 75, and her husband Carley Stokes, 81, were found shot in their home. Carley was discovered deceased at the scene; Beverly was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries and died shortly after arrival. The couple had been married 57 years; Carley served as a deacon at First Baptist Church and Beverly was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse who worked 38 years at St. Tammany Hospital.

Their 23-year-old grandson, Colby Stokes, became the sole suspect after reportedly walking to a neighbor’s house and confessing to killing his grandparents; deputies arrested him at that home without incident. Charges were initially two counts of second-degree manslaughter and later were upgraded to two counts of first-degree murder, along with cruelty to animals, second-degree aggravated battery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities have mentioned a possible domestic dispute and note Colby Stokes has a history of mental health struggles and substance abuse, but no official motive has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone knew Beverly or Carley, or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you know.