On March 3, 2023, deputies from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at a home on Adagio Trail in Richlands, North Carolina. At about 1:34 a.m. they found 31-year-old Christopher Paul Kornegay Jr. outside the residence armed with a firearm; he surrendered and was arrested. Inside the house, 14-year-old Ardrie Kent Zyrus Callejo White and his mother, 40-year-old Audrey White, were found dead of gunshot wounds.

Investigators determined Kornegay, Audrey White’s fiancé, was responsible and charged him with two counts of murder. Records cited in reporting note a history of domestic disturbances at the residence. Ardrie is remembered by family as a bright, inquisitive boy who loved dinosaurs and hoped to pursue science; his father, Dexter White, spoke of profound heartbreak.

Community vigils were held and local groups and law enforcement highlighted resources for people experiencing domestic abuse.