Michael Powell, 72, and his wife Carolyn Powell, 70, were found dead outside their home near Gaston, North Carolina on November 7, 2024. Both sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head from a shotgun fired at point-blank range.

Authorities identified 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher, a close neighbor and relative of the Powells, as the suspect. Investigators say the truck belonging to the couple was taken after the shootings; the vehicle was later found in a hotel parking lot in Roanoke Rapids and Butcher was arrested there without incident. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle, and is being held without bond on the murder charges. His next court appearance was scheduled for November 19.

The couple were described as active members of their local church and pillars of the community. The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and the motive remains unclear.

If anyone knew the Powells or has information about the case, please share what you know with investigators.