Father charged in deaths of two teens found in Henderson home

HENDERSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Vance County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged the father of two teens who were found dead in a Henderson home.

Deputies found a 13-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy dead inside a home on Torri Drive in Henderson on Feb. 9.

The sheriff's office said four siblings, ages 12, 13, 16, and 17, lived in the home, and their father, Aron Newsome, was present at the time of the two teens' deaths. Authorities said the two teens were found cold and underweight.

Newsome is facing two counts of second-degree murder and one count of felony child neglect resulting in serious bodily injury.

On Monday, no cameras were allowed in the courtroom where Newsome, 46, made his first court appearance.

Investigators cited low temperatures, malnutrition, and physical disabilities as factors in their deaths. A space heater was in the room but wasn't working because of a power outage.

"It's so sad," said Jennifer Brust, a neighbor.

Brust told ABC11 that she rarely saw an adult outside. Records show Newsome separated from his wife in 2023. She filed for divorce in 2025.

During his court appearance, Newsome told the judge he is unemployed and has no income. He also referenced a prior child protective services case, which his neighbor recalled.

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"We have seen Child Protective Services over there probably a couple of years ago when they had no heat," Brust said.

Meanwhile, the status of Newsome's two other children, both younger than 17, is being reviewed by DSS.

The state took over child welfare services in Vance County in 2025, citing "serious safety concerns."

ABC11 reached out to state health officials and the Vance County Sheriff's Office for more details.

If convicted, Newsome could face up to 88 years in prison. He's due back in court on March 30 and is being held without bond at the Vance County Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff's Office at (252) 738-2200.