Man arrested for murder after woman found dead in apartment

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man has been arrested for murder after a death investigation at a local apartment.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers responded to a check welfare call at the One Midtown apartment complex on Tuesday.

When officers and paramedics entered the apartment, they located the human remains of a woman. The remains had been inside the apartment for several days.

Investigators began a methodical investigation and determined this incident to be a murder. Investigators later identified the victim as Holly Petteys, 31. They also identified the boyfriend of the victim as a person of interest.

While still on the scene, the person of interest, Michael Lavelle, 31, returned to the scene.

WPD detectives recognized Lavelle even though he had altered his appearance.

When Lavelle saw detectives, he ran away and ended up in a nearby ditch. Lavelle then began to stab himself with a knife. An officer was able to use a taser and took Lavelle into custody.

He is currently in custody in serious condition at Novant Health NHRMC.

Lavelle has been charged with First Degree Murder and Resist/Delay/Obstruct.