2 found dead in apparent murder-suicide at Lake Royale home
LAKE ROYALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two people were found dead outside a home in the Lake Royale community Friday, and investigators believe the case appears to be a murder-suicide.
According to the Lake Royale Company Police Department, officers responded to a home on Sunlight Cove for a call involving unknown circumstances.
When officers arrived, they found two people dead in the front yard of the residence. The victims were identified as Kevin Killworth and Kimberly Killworth.
Police said the couple married early in 2024. Investigators have identified the husband as the suspect and the wife as the victim.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicates the deaths appear consistent with a murder-suicide. However, officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and final determinations regarding the cause and manner of death will be made by the appropriate authorities.
Officers responded to the Lake Royale neighborhood around 9:30 a.m. Friday, but investigators believe the shooting happened overnight.
"Every indication that we have found and statements that were given by the juvenile stated that it was around midnight when he heard two loud pops," Lake Royale Police Chief Robert Smith said. "All indication points to around midnight."
A neighbor said he noticed something unusual while out for an early morning run.
"What stood out to me was the fact that a man was sitting in a driveway at 5 in the morning and he hadn't moved the entire time," Jharrison Gillespie told ABC11.
During the response, officers received information that a child might still be inside the home. Police immediately cleared the residence and found the child unharmed.
The child was placed in the care of the Department of Social Services while authorities worked to notify and coordinate with next of kin. Police said relatives are traveling to take custody of the child while the investigation continues.
"These types of calls are never easy, especially when there are minors involved," Smith said.
Police also said the husband was a Navy veteran.
Investigators said the incident appears to be isolated, and there is no known threat to the Lake Royale community. Authorities also said there is no suspect believed to be at large.
Out of respect for the families involved and to protect the integrity of the investigation, officials said no additional information will be released at this time.
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