On November 7, 2024, 70-year-old Carolyn Powell and her 72-year-old husband Michael Powell were found dead outside their home near Gaston, North Carolina. Both suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head from a shotgun fired at point-blank range.

Investigators identified 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher, a close neighbor and relative of the Powells, as the suspect. Authorities allege Butcher shot the couple, stole their truck and fled; the vehicle was later found in a hotel parking lot in Roanoke Rapids. Butcher was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle. The motive has not been determined.

The community and the Powells’ family are reported to be in shock and mourning. If anyone knew Carolyn Powell or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.