PITT COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday morning when authorities discovered the bodies of a couple at their home, leading to charges against their grandson for their deaths. The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 9:30 a.m., arriving at the residence on Deborah Court to find 73-year-old Rayfield Ruffin and his 67-year-old wife, Frances, deceased inside.
Sheriff Paula Dance reported that their grandson, 34-year-old Martinez Ruffin, has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, specifically with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury. According to investigators, both grandparents sustained multiple injuries, including blunt force trauma and stab wounds.
The disturbing details began to unfold when a family member, who had briefly left the home to run an errand, returned to discover the horrifying scene and immediately called for help. Martinez Ruffin was apprehended shortly afterward as deputies found him walking along a nearby road.
This incident marks a somber chapter for the Ruffin family, especially considering the tragic history associated with the home. Just last year, a separate and equally heartbreaking event occurred when a six-year-old accidentally shot and killed his younger brother, five-year-old Karter Rosenboro, in the same residence.
Authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this latest tragedy, and the investigation is ongoing. Community members have expressed shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the violence that has erupted within the family. Neighbors described the Ruffins as friendly and noted the incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
As the case progresses, emotions run high for those affected, not only for the immediate family but also for friends and neighbors who have been left grappling with the aftermath of such a senseless act. The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with further information to come forward as they continue their investigation into these tragic events.