North carolina couple murdered by foster child who then commits suicide
Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

North Carolina couple murdered by foster child who then commits suicide

Raeford, NC – A couple in Raeford was found dead in their home. Joann Chavis, 46, and her husband, Ted Chavis, 53, were identified as the victims of a double homicide that occurred on Monday.

The couple’s 17-year-old foster child, known as D.P., has been named as the primary suspect. After the killings, D.P. reportedly took his own life at a location in Lake Waccamaw, approximately 80 miles southeast of Raeford.

Hoke County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Chavis residence upon a call for cardiac arrest. Investigators discovered evidence that led them to suspect D.P. as the perpetrator.

Statements from the Boys & Girls Homes organization confirmed that the Chavises were not affiliated with their foster care program. A spokesperson declined to provide any details regarding D.P.’s involvement with the organization.

The investigation has been extensive and has encompassed multiple counties. Currently, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings or why D.P. traveled to Boys & Girls Homes.

Sheriff’s deputies indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation. Specific details regarding the events leading to the tragedy remain unclear.

Shore News Network Staff Report

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.