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Authorities in Pitt County are investigating a devastating case after an elderly married couple was found dead inside their home, leading to the arrest of their grandson on multiple serious charges.
According to Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance, Martinez Corvell Ruffin, 34, has been charged with two counts of open murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury in connection with the deaths of Rayfield Ruffin, 73, and his wife, Frances Ruffin, 67.
Deputies with the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Deborah Court at approximately 9:24 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after receiving a call reporting injured persons. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered both Rayfield and Frances Ruffin deceased inside the home.
Investigators said the couple was found by a family member who had stepped away briefly and returned to find them unresponsive. Authorities later confirmed that both victims suffered fatal injuries consistent with a violent assault.
Following the discovery, law enforcement launched an immediate search for Martinez Ruffin, who is the victims’ grandson. He was located a short time later walking along a nearby roadway and was taken into custody without incident. Officials have not disclosed a motive, and no additional suspects are believed to be involved at this time.
Sheriff’s officials also revealed that the same residence had previously been the site of another heartbreaking incident last year involving the accidental death of a six-year-old child, adding to the deep sense of tragedy surrounding the home.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and determine the full circumstances leading up to the deaths of Rayfield and Frances Ruffin. Authorities stated that further details will be released as they become available.
The loss of the longtime couple has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family members and neighbors grappling with disbelief and sorrow as the case moves forward through the justice system.