Andrew Percy Hoyle, 71, of New Bern, North Carolina, was found dead at his home in Bridgeton on July 8, 2020, alongside his wife Sandra Smith Hoyle, 72. Deputies responded to a welfare check and discovered both seniors had been shot; investigators later charged their grandson, Michael Tanner Norris, 30, with two counts of murder. Authorities say Norris allegedly used a high-powered rifle, stole the couple’s car and fled the scene before being arrested in Belhaven, where he was reportedly under the influence of a substance.

Hoyle had retired from a career on the railroad and was remembered as a hunter, a dancer and a founder of the NC Running Hounds association alongside his wife. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office indicated the motive was believed to be drug-related and described the deaths as devastating to the family and community.

If anyone knew the Hoyles or has information about their last hours, please share what you know.