On March 26, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Thomasville Police Department officers responded to a report of a body discovered at the Budget Inn on North Road in Thomasville, North Carolina. Upon entering room 2, they found two deceased men, both with apparent gunshot wounds. One of the victims was identified as 40-year-old JaVon Pete McCall of High Point, North Carolina. The identity of the second victim was initially withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators quickly identified a suspect, 40-year-old Christopher Rhodes of Thomasville, who was known to both victims, suggesting the incident was not a random act of violence. Early on March 27, 2024, with assistance from the High Point Police Department, detectives located Rhodes in High Point and arrested him without incident. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
During his initial court appearance on March 27, 2024, in Davidson County, Rhodes was denied bond. The judge appointed the Capital Defender's Office to represent him, indicating that he could face the death penalty if convicted. Rhodes' next court date was scheduled for April 10, 2024.
The tragic deaths of McCall and the second victim prompted statements from local officials emphasizing the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to address and prevent such violent incidents. The Thomasville Police Department encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to contact Thomasville Crime Stoppers at 336-476-8477.
In the wake of his passing, an obituary for JaVon Pete McCall was published, noting his birth on August 18, 1983, in Washington, D.C., and his upbringing in both Washington, D.C., and High Point, North Carolina. He was remembered for his active and outspoken nature, his love for family and friends, and his passion for sports, particularly football and basketball. McCall was a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders. He is survived by his parents, children, siblings, and numerous other relatives and friends.
