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

Posted by
1 min read
November 1, 2025

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.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss

Exit mobile version