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GASTON – An elderly husband and wife were shot to death outside their home near here last night (Thursday) and a suspect was arrested approximately six hours later.

Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher of Gaston is under arrest, held without bond on two counts of first degree murder and one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle.

Smith added that the motive behind this double homicide is still unclear at this time and is being further investigated. It was discovered from investigation conducted by Detective Sgt. W. Killian and Detective Sgt. M. Deloatch that Butcher was a close neighbor and a relative of the victims. Butcher is scheduled to make his first court appearance on these charges on Nov. 19.

Sheriff Smith noted that his officers responded at 10:26 p.m. Thursday in reference to the shooting. Upon arrival they discovered an elderly male (age 72) and a 70-year-old female deceased in the front yard of their residence within the driveway area. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head from a shotgun at point blank range.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the suspect had stolen a truck belonging to the victims and had fled the scene.

At approximately 2:20 a.m. this morning (Friday), law enforcement officers were able to locate the stolen truck in a hotel parking lot in Roanoke Rapids. At approximately 4:25 am, Northampton Sheriff’s Office personnel were joined by law enforcement officers with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department as they safely apprehended and arrested Butcher.

“I commend the immediate response, investigation, and efforts of our deputies and detectives,” Sheriff Smith said. “I also thank the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department for their assistance and help in assuring the apprehension of this dangerous subject.

“My thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sincerity goes out to the family of the victims of this tragic shooting,” Smith added.

Smith said Detective Sgt. Killian will be continuing the investigation into this deadly shooting.