A Gaston man has been charged in the shooting deaths of a husband and wife.

The male victim, 72, and the female victim, 70, were found deceased in their front yard in the driveway area and Captain Patrick Jacobs of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said they were shot at point blank range.

A motive has not been established. The couple’s truck had been stolen immediately after the shooting. The sheriff’s office has not released the names of the victims who were fatally shot around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

This morning law enforcement officers located the stolen truck in the parking lot of a Roanoke Rapids hotel and with assistance from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office took Ryvaries Butcher into custody shortly before 4:30.

Northampton County detectives W. Killian and M. Deloatch obtained warrants on Butcher. He was initially charged with one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle and then charged with two counts of first-degree murder. 

Jacobs said Butcher was a close neighbor and a relative of the victims. 

His past record includes a 2009 conviction in Northampton County for wanton injury to personal property and assault on a female for which he received probation and a suspended sentence.

He was jailed without the opportunity for bond for the murder counts and received a $35,000 secured bond for the vehicle larceny.

His first district court date is November 19.

“I would like to commend the immediate response, investigation, and efforts of our deputies and detectives,” Sheriff Jack Smith said. “ I thank the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department for their assistance and help in assuring the apprehension of this dangerous subject.”

Said Smith: “My thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sincerity goes out to the family of the victims during this tragic shooting.”

The investigation into a motive continues, Jacobs said.