The suspect in a double murder in Hoke County was found dead in Columbus County Monday night, authorities said. They have not released the names of any of the people involved, but said that the murder suspect was under that age of 18.
The Hoke County Sheriff's Office was called to the 1000 block of Cope Road Monday just after 6 p.m. When deputies arrived, they said they found two people, ages 48 and 52, and determined they were the victims of homicide.
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Within hours, they had identified a suspect and tracked that person's vehicle to the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw. As officers searched that property, they found the suspect, and that person took their own life.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragic situation," said Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers.
He said no one else was injured in the course of the investigation.
"We are grateful for the cooperation between agencies and thankful that no innocent lives were endangered. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and support during difficult times.”