On March 3, 2023, at approximately 1:34 a.m., the Onslow County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple reports of a disturbance at a residence on Adagio Trail in Richlands, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies encountered 31-year-old Christopher Paul Kornegay Jr. standing in the roadway, armed. He was arrested without incident. Inside the home, authorities discovered 40-year-old Audrey Rose White and her 14-year-old son, Ardrie Kent Zyrus Callejo White, both deceased from apparent gunshot
wounds.
Investigations revealed a history of domestic violence-related disturbances at the residence. Kornegay, who was engaged to Audrey White, was charged with two open counts of murder following the incident. He was taken into custody and held without bond, with his first court appearance scheduled shortly thereafter.
Audrey White was remembered as a devoted mother and a caring individual. Her son, Ardrie, was known for his love of dinosaurs and aspirations to pursue a career in science. Family members, including Ardrie's father, Dexter White, expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing the close bond they shared and the promising future that was tragically cut short.
This tragic event has underscored the critical importance of addressing domestic violence within the community. Local authorities have urged individuals experiencing similar situations to seek assistance, highlighting the availability of resources in Onslow County designed to provide support and intervention for those in need.
In the wake of the incident, community members have come together to mourn the loss of Audrey and Ardrie White, lighting candles and sharing memories to honor their lives. The case has also prompted discussions about the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat domestic violence, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
