By Catharin Shepard • Editor • A man and woman were killed Monday night at their home on Cope Road in Hoke County, and a teenage suspect wanted in connection with the case later committed suicide at the Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home when confronted by authorities, according to law enforcement agencies.

Ted Chavis and Joann Chavis were the deceased, the Red Springs Police Department said Tuesday morning.

Deputies with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office responded to Cope Road just after 6 p.m. Monday in reference to a call about a cardiac arrest, the sheriff’s office said in a press release. Investigators reportedly found two people “unresponsive.” The agency reported Wednesday morning that both the Chavises were stabbed multiple times.

The suspect’s vehicle was found near the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Tuesday.

“Lake Waccamaw Police Department located the suspect’s vehicle near the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw. The suspect was not inside the vehicle. Law enforcement personnel on scene, along with the Whiteville Fire Department’s Drone Team, conducted a thorough search of the campus to ensure there was no immediate threat to those on site,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “Officers began by clearing the occupied buildings before moving to the unoccupied areas of the campus. During this process, law enforcement located the suspect, who at that point, took their own life. First responders rendered aid, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.”

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the area to assist the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake Waccamaw Police Department with the investigation. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office reported that the Red Springs Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation were providing assistance.

No civilians or staff members from the Boys and Girls Homes were harmed during the incident, according to reports.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the suspect’s suicide, according to Columbus County authorities.

“Due to the suspect being a juvenile, no further identifying information will be released,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Amanda Irwin, director of communications for the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, provided a statement from the organization.

“On the evening of October 27, there was an incident on Boys & Girls Homes campus involving an off-campus individual. Standard lockdown procedures were followed, and all Boys & Girls Homes youth and staff members are safe. The incident is under active investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. Thank you to local law enforcement including Columbus County Sheriff’s Department and Lake Waccamaw Fire & Rescue for keeping our staff and, most importantly, our youth safe. We are cooperating with this active investigation,” the statement said. “Per state law, Boys & Girls Homes cannot comment on any juvenile who may or may not have been in our programs of care.”

“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragic situation,” Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a press release. “We are grateful for the cooperation between agencies and thankful that no innocent lives were endangered. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and support during difficult times.”

Gabrielle Alexis and Victor Aguilar wrote about the shooting on a Facebook page.

“As most of you know our parents, Joann and Ted Chavis have passed. We as their children are asking for privacy and to quit with the posting,” the message on Facebook said. “I understand that everyone is hurting and grieving however we still have one sibling who has not arrived home from deployment. We will be taking visitors at my home in the upcoming week but for right now it is immediately family only.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office press release Tuesday morning stated the following:

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced on October 27th, 2025, at approximately 6:04 p.m., Deputies responded to the 1000 block range of Cope Rd. In reference to a Cardiac Arrest. Upon Deputies arrival they discovered two unresponsive individuals. Hoke County Detectives were notified and responded to the scene. Various agencies are assisting with the investigation to include the State Bureau of Investigations, Red Springs Police Department, and Lake Waccamaw Police. The investigation is still on going at this time.

If you have any information, please contact Detective D. Austin with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 875-5111.

The sheriff’s office sent out a second press release Wednesday, as follows:

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced an investigation of a Double Homicide that occurred on October 27, 2025, at approximately 6:04 p.m. Deputies responded to a residence located at 1696 Cope Road, Raeford, North Carolina, in reference to a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two unresponsive individuals inside the home. Detectives were notified and responded to the scene to begin a homicide investigation.

The victims have been identified as:

· Joann Nicole Chavis, 46 years old, of Red Springs, NC

· Ted Matthew Chavis, 53 years old, of Red Springs, NC

Preliminary investigation and evidence obtained from the scene determined that both victims died, as a result of multiple stab wounds. The investigation identified the couple’s 17-year-old foster child, D.P., as the suspect responsible for the homicides.

Working in coordination with the State Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake Waccamaw Police Department, law enforcement located D.P. in Lake Waccamaw. When approached by officers, D.P. committed suicide from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation in Columbus County in regards to the suicide.

The Hoke County District Attorney’s Office has also been assisting investigators with legal guidance and consultation throughout this investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chavis family, and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” stated Sheriff Roderick Virgil. “We are grateful for the assistance provided by our partnering agencies throughout this investigation.”

The case remains under investigation. Any additional information is encouraged to contact Detective D. Austin at (910) 875-5111.

During an investigation, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that accurate and verified information is released to the public. Our goal is to provide transparency while avoiding the release of premature or misleading details that could interfere with the integrity of the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to ensure that no misinformation is disseminated.

[This story has been updated Wednesday, October 29, 2025 with new information.]