Northampton double murder suspect arrested: NCSO

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY – The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a double homicide Thursday evening outside Gaston.

On Friday, the Sheriff’s Office captured and arrested 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the NC State Bureau of Investigation, assisted in the arrest.

Investigators say Butcher used a shotgun to shoot and kill an elderly couple outside their home. After the shooting, deputies say Butcher stole the victim’s truck and left the scene.

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“My thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sincerities go out to the families of the victims at this tragic time,” said Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith.

Law enforcement followed Butcher to a hotel in Roanoke Rapids, where he was taken into custody without incident.

The Sheriff’s Office charged Butcher with one felony count of theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of first-degree murder.

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Investigators did not immediately share a motive for the shooting, but they said Butcher was a close neighbor and related to the victims.

Butcher received no bond on the first-degree murder charge and he received a $35,000 bond on the motor vehicle theft charge. The fatal shooting remains under investigation.