Identities released of two people fatally stabbed in Hampstead area; suspect makes first court appearance

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (WECT) - Officials have released the names of two people killed in a stabbing incident Thursday evening.

According to a Pender County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, the victims were Ricky Lynn Bullard, 57, and Roy Lester Batson II, 49.

Cody Coffield, 30, was taken into custody and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

He made his first court appearance Friday morning.

Coffield walked into the courtroom with his head down, and when asked by the judge if he had anything to say, he said, “My head is about to explode.”

District Attorney Ben David, along with Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler, held a press conference after the hearing, where they said they are still working to get answers themselves.

“The arrest is a start of an investigation, not it’s end,” said David. “Even though there’s someone in custody, frequently people think well that’s it then. If anyone has information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be, it’s important for them to come forward and report it to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.”

Coffield will appear again on March 16, and is being held without bond.

This isn’t his first run-in with authorities, he was charged with participating in a criminal gang back in 2010 in Ohio. Authorities say he jumped on and shattered a vehicle windshield, injuring an infant and those in the car.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Surf City Police, and Pender EMS and Fire responded to the incident in the 1700 block of Watts Landing Drive, a Hampstead neighborhood, just before 5 p.m. Thursday.

Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene to find two people with stab wounds.

Viewers reported seeing crime scene tape in two areas of the neighborhood.

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