Hardin District Attorney: Moore & Hoke Counties District 29

03/27/2026

Amazing meeting with the University of North Carolina Charlotte Board of Visitors and the innovative students in the School of Engineering. Added bonus running into my friend and fellow alumni Senator Dave Craven.

03/20/2026

Assistant District Attorney Kim Davis and Assistant District Attorney Sean Kennally represented the Moore County District Attorney’s Office today at the Career Fair at the Moore Innovative High School.

03/17/2026

https://www.courier-tribune.com/asheboro-man-convicted-of-murder-in-moore-county/article_b91b3150-fc3e-5b2a-816c-cf16e86d8de1.html

An Asheboro man was convicted of first-degree murder Thursday, March 12, in a 2021 shooting in Moore County and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

11/11/2025

Thank you for your service!

10/29/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Updated Double Homicide Press Release)

The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced an investigation of a Double Homicide that occurred on October 27, 2025, at approximately 6:04 p.m. Deputies responded to a residence located at 1696 Cope Road, Raeford, North Carolina, in reference to a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two unresponsive individuals inside the home. Detectives were notified and responded to the scene to begin a homicide investigation.

The victims have been identified as:
· Mrs. Joann Nicole Chavis, 46 years old, of Red Springs, NC
· Mr. Ted Matthew Chavis, 53 years old, of Red Springs, NC

Preliminary investigation and evidence obtained from the scene determined that both victims died, as a result of multiple stab wounds. The investigation identified the couple’s 17-year-old foster child, D.P., as the suspect responsible for the homicides.

Working in coordination with the State Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake Waccamaw Police Department, law enforcement located D.P. in Lake Waccamaw. When approached by officers, D.P. committed su***de from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation in Columbus County in regards to the su***de.

The Hoke County District Attorney’s Office has also been assisting investigators with legal guidance and consultation throughout this investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chavis family, and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” stated Sheriff Roderick Virgil. “We are grateful for the assistance provided by our partnering agencies throughout this investigation.”

During an investigation, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that accurate and verified information is released to the public. Our goal is to provide transparency while avoiding the release of premature or misleading details that could interfere with the integrity of the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to ensure that no misinformation is disseminated.

The case remains under investigation. Any additional information is encouraged to contact Detective D. Austin at (910) 875-5111.

10/19/2025

It was my privilege to co-host an event for Kim Davis for District Court Judge. I was honored my friend and colleague Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neil came to support Kim. Kim will make a remarkable addition to the Moore and Hoke County bench. She has my full support and endorsement!

10/13/2025

The District Attorney’s Office is officially moving! We are underway with our move to the courthouse this week.

10/02/2025

Yesterday Ella Wilkinson was formerly sworn in as Assistant District Attorney for Hoke County! Welcome Ella!

10/02/2025

Glad your here Robert! Its hard to believe its been 5 years!

09/26/2025

Today we formally celebrated the opening of Veteran’s Court in Moore and Hoke Counties. We were joined by many special guests including Chief Justice Paul Newby and Congressman Richard Hudson for this long awaited event. I am so proud to be a part of bringing Veteran’s Court to District 29.

09/22/2025

Very proud that I had the privilege to welcome Emma Wilkinson and Ella Jung to our office and to the practice of law! Emma will be assigned to Moore County and Ella will be joining the Hoke Office.