Elderly Couple Killed in Pitt County Home — A Year After Another Tragedy

“My heart is broken into two zillion pieces and will never be whole again,” said Meke Jones, grieving daughter of the victims.

Before sunrise on New Year’s Eve, flashing police lights and crime scene tape turned the normally quiet Deborah Court into a hub of investigation. Deputies arrived after reports that two people had been found dead inside a family home.

Double Tragedy Unfolds

By midmorning, authorities confirmed a double homicide. Neighbors watched as investigators moved in and out, while Sheriff Paula Dance arrived to oversee the investigation.

Officials revealed the victims as Rayfield Ruffin, 73, and his wife, France Ruffin, 67. Deputies said both suffered blunt force trauma and knife wounds, and they quickly focused on a suspect close to the family.

Arrest Made

Authorities arrested Martinez Ruffin, 34, the couple’s grandson who lived in the home. He faces two counts of murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Martinez was located near the home after the 911 call, walking along the roadside. Police have not released a motive, and the investigation remains active.

Family Grieves

After the killings, Meke Jones shared emotional tributes online:

“My heart of gold Mommy and my Daddy that took care of her every single need… Married each other on March 14th, 1977. Died together December 31st, 2025… How many times can a heart break and still beat?”

Her posts highlighted the depth of the family’s heartbreak and the shock of losing both parents at once.

House’s Troubling History

The home drew wider attention because it had been the scene of another tragedy just a year earlier. On October 8, 2024, a 6-year-old accidentally shot and killed his 5-year-old brother, Karter River Rosenboro, inside the same house.

Rayfield Ruffin, Karter’s great-grandfather, was later charged with failing to safely store the gun. Karter had been a kindergarten student at Northwest Elementary School, and the community provided crisis support for students and staff.

Remembering Karter

Following the 2024 shooting, the family started a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs. The fundraiser, organized by Duchess Ruffin Chance, raised $7,885 of its $10,000 goal.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Karter River Rosenboro… Our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin tragically lost his life to an accidental shooting,” the campaign stated. Donations went to Karter’s mother, Niasia Knight, to help with memorial expenses.

Two Tragedies, One Address

Investigators have not yet released a court date or additional details about the murder of Rayfield and France Ruffin.

For now, the quiet home on Deborah Court stands as the center of two connected tragedies: the accidental death of a child and the murder of an elderly couple, one year apart. Both incidents mark a dark chapter for the family and the community.