Two people have died, another is injured, and a suspect has been caught after possible stabbing incident in North Carolina.
On Thursday, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office officials released the names of the victims in a press release: Theresa Lee Rowell, 55, Dennis Edmund Rowell, 66, and Irene Elizabeth Rowell, 19.
Deputies with the BCSO were dispatched to a residence on Ivey Stone Court in Brunswick County around 4:40 a.m. in response to “a possible stabbing involving multiple people,” according to a press release from the BCSO. While en route, deputies encountered what was believed to be the suspect’s vehicle based upon information provided by the 911 caller. Around 4:45 a.m., deputies “were in pursuit of the vehicle reaching speeds up to 105 mph.”
“Due to the nature of the incident and potential harm to the public, a BCSO deputy performed a PIT maneuver which resulted in the suspect crashing in a wooded area off of Ocean Isle Beach Road,” states the release. “The suspect fled from the vehicle and after a short foot chase, the suspect was taken into custody” around 5 a.m.
The suspect is identified in the release as Torrence O’Neal Helms, 30, of Calabash. He was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries.
One female was found deceased at the scene, according to the release. One male was transported to Brunswick Novant Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. A third victim, a female, was taken to NHRMC and is being treated for injuries.
Warrants list charges for Helms as two counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, flee/elude arrest, and resisting public officer.