In the quiet community of Mount Hermon, Louisiana, a tragic event unfolded on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, ending the lives of a long-married couple. Beverly Ann Stokes, a 75-year-old female, and her 81-year-old husband, Carley Stokes, were fatally shot in their home. For 57 years, the couple had built a life together, becoming members of the First Baptist Church where Carley served as a deacon. Beverly was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse, having worked for 38 years at St.
Tammany Hospital.
The circumstances of their deaths sent a shockwave through their family and the local community. In a stunning turn of events, the couple's own grandson, 23-year-old Colby Stokes, became the sole suspect. After the shooting, he reportedly walked to a neighbor's house and confessed to killing his grandparents. The neighbor then promptly alerted the authorities.
When deputies from the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office arrived at the Stokes' residence, they discovered Carley Stokes deceased at the scene. Beverly Stokes was found with critical injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds shortly after arrival. Colby Stokes was arrested at the neighbor's home without incident.
Initially, the charges against Colby Stokes were two counts of second-degree manslaughter. However, these charges were later upgraded to two counts of first-degree murder. Additionally, he faces charges of cruelty to animals, second-degree aggravated battery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The motive behind the tragic killings has not been officially released, but the sheriff's office has alluded to a possible domestic dispute that escalated. It has been mentioned that Colby Stokes has a history of mental health struggles and substance abuse, which may have been contributing factors in the incident. The investigation into the double homicide is ongoing.
