AUTRYVILLE, N.C. – The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office revealed details on Monday about a tragic triple murder-suicide that took place on Sunday morning in a wooded area near the end of Tanner Lane in Autryville. Deputies responded to a shots-fired call at 9:22 a.m. and discovered four individuals dead in and around two tents in the woods, which is a known encampment for homeless individuals. The victims were identified as Carrie Nichoel Trampel, 41, and the suspect was identified as 40-year-old Dwane Paul Miller, of Marysville, WA, who died by suicide.
According to Capt. Eric Pope, evidence at the scene indicated that the four had been living in tents at the encampment for several weeks. The incident was the result of an ongoing domestic violence dispute between Miller and Trampel that had occurred in another state. Neighbors reported hearing an argument prior to the gunshots. Investigators also determined that Miller shot the victims multiple times before taking his own life. In an unrelated case, the sheriff’s office is still searching for the person(s) responsible for the shooting and killing of five people inside a house on October 26, 2023. The victims in that case were identified as Alfonza Jeffers, Dagoberto Lopez, Hector Salazar Lopez, Lamar Williams, and Jamie Lynn Rowland.
In an effort to gather information for the investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the Sampson County murder. The community is urged to come forward with any relevant information to help bring justice to the victims and their families.