The Hoke County community is in mourning following a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the lives of 46-year-old Joann Nicole Chavis and 53-year-old Ted Matthew Chavis, both residents of Red Springs, North Carolina. The couple, known for their warmth, kindness, and generosity, were tragically killed in a double homicide that occurred on Monday evening, October 27, 2025, at their residence located at 1696 Cope Road in Raeford.
According to the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the home around 6:04 p.m. in reference to a cardiac arrest call. Upon arrival, they made the devastating discovery of the couple’s lifeless bodies inside the residence. Detectives immediately launched a comprehensive homicide investigation, which revealed that both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds.
Authorities identified the couple’s 17-year-old foster child, D.P., as the primary suspect in the killings. Law enforcement agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake Waccamaw Police Department, quickly coordinated a search effort to locate the suspect.
The pursuit led officers to Lake Waccamaw, where D.P. was located. Tragically, before officers could take the suspect into custody, D.P. died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The State Bureau of Investigation has since taken the lead in examining the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death in Columbus County.
Throughout the investigation, the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office has worked closely with detectives, providing legal guidance and support to ensure every step of the process adheres to justice and integrity.
Sheriff Roderick Virgil expressed his sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family, stating:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chavis family, and everyone affected by this tragic incident. We are deeply appreciative of the assistance provided by our partnering agencies throughout this investigation.”
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, a nationally accredited agency, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and accuracy, emphasizing that only verified information will be shared with the public as the case continues to unfold. Officials remain dedicated to upholding the integrity of the investigation while fostering community trust.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to this case to contact Detective D. Austin at (910) 875-5111.
As the Hoke and Robeson County communities come to terms with this unimaginable loss, family members, friends, and neighbors are uniting in grief to celebrate the lives of Joann and Ted Chavis. The couple is remembered as loving, compassionate, and deeply committed to those they cared for—two souls whose kindness and love left a lasting impact on everyone who knew them.
Though their lives were cut short, their memory will continue to shine brightly through the love they shared, the good they did, and the many hearts they touched.
May Joann Nicole Chavis and Ted Matthew Chavis rest in eternal peace, and may their family find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from their community.
Source: Hoke County Sheriff’s Office – Official Release
