An elderly couple was murdered at their home last week near Gaston.

On Nov. 7 at 10:26 p.m., Northampton County deputies responded to a shooting at a home outside of Gaston. Investigators discovered that a husband and wife, 72-year-old Michael Powell and 70-year-old Carolyn Powell, were found dead in the front yard of their home near the driveway.

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Both victims were shot in the head at point blank range. Investigators said the suspect had stolen the victims' truck after shooting the couple and fled the scene.

On Nov. 8 at 2:20 a.m., law enforcement officers found the stolen truck in a local hotel parking lot in Roanoke Rapids.

That same day at 4:25 a.m., law enforcement officers with Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department arrested 35-year-old Ryvaries Butcher, of Gaston. Investigators discovered that Butcher was a close neighbor and a relative of the victims.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony larceny of a motor vehicle.

"My thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sincerity goes out to the family of the victims during this tragic time," Sheriff Jack Smith said on Facebook.

Rev. Travis Judkins, senior pastor of Cool Spring Missionary Baptist Church said the church on Sunday remembered the Powells for their dedication to church and community.

The couple was a part of the congregation for more than 50 years.

"They had the ability that often times entering a room although not saying much they could change the atmosphere for the better," Judkins said.

He pointed to the pew where Carolyn Powell could be found every Wednesday and Sunday. Michael Powell sang in the choir.

"To look at this place in which she sat – and truly only she sat – and this Sunday it was occupied, didn’t feel right," Judkins said.

Butcher received no bond on the first-degree murder charges and he received a $35,000 secured bond for the motor vehicle larceny charge. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 19.

The motive behind this homicide shooting is still unclear at this time and is being further investigated. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) assisted with the crime scene investigation.