North Carolina Man Charged with Double Murder After Family Found Dead

URGENT UPDATE: A 78-year-old man from Davidson County, North Carolina, has been charged with two counts of murder after the bodies of his family members were discovered in their home on Friday. Authorities report that Stephen Hicks was arrested on Raye Drive following a disturbing text message indicating harm to his family.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request for a wellness check from a concerned family member who received the alarming message. Upon arrival, deputies found Hicks with minor self-inflicted wounds and the deceased bodies of 76-year-old June Hicks and 45-year-old Stephen Eric Hicks inside the residence.

Hicks made his first court appearance on Monday, appearing in a jumpsuit and handcuffs. In a brief exchange, he requested a public defender. Prosecutors revealed in court that Hicks may have confessed to the crimes, which prompted the state to request no bond due to the violent nature of the alleged offenses.

The court has scheduled Hicks’ next hearing for November 3. Meanwhile, he remains in Davidson County Jail without bond. The community is reeling from the shocking events, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

As more details emerge, the impact of this double murder is being felt deeply by the local community. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.