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JUVENILE DETAINED IN DOUBLE HOMICIDE CASE
Hillsborough, NC (October 5, 2022) – Less than hour ago, authorities detained a juvenile in connection with the murders of Devin Clark and Lyric Woods.
Sheriff Charles Blackwood said, “We hope this apprehension provides some relief to the families and friends of Devin and Lyric, who have experienced an excruciating loss. Obviously, the capture of the suspect does not restore their loved one to them. The grieving process is a long one, and we hope the community will continue to support them in their pain.”
Under North Carolina General Statutes, no one at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has the ability or authority to release any further information until such time the case is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Not only does the relevant statute prohibit the release of the juvenile’s name, but also extends to the release of details such as who apprehended the individual, as well as when and where the apprehension took place.
Blackwood added, “We understand our community is hungry for information to help process this tragedy; however, the laws regarding juvenile confidentiality are ironclad. We have no ability to set them aside, even given the heightened interest in this case.”
SHERIFF ADDRESSES JUVENILE CONFIDENTIALITY
Hillsborough, NC (September 26, 2022) – Regarding the recent double-murder of Devin Clark and Lyric Woods, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood wants to highlight what the community can expect going forward.
He said, “The North Carolina General Statutes prohibit the release of all records and files pertaining to cases of juveniles under supervision of juvenile court counselors. A record includes, but is not limited to, information obtained from witnesses, laboratory tests, surveillance, confidential informants, investigators, photographs, measurements, and officer case notes. Moreover, a different subsection explicitly provides that law enforcement shall withhold these materials from public inspection unless the case is transferred to superior court.”
Beginning December 1, 2019, 16- and 17-year-old individuals who commit crimes in North Carolina are no longer charged automatically in the adult criminal justice system. If there is a notice of indictment or the court finds probable cause for a Class A-G felony committed by a 16 or 17 year old, a district court judge shall order the transfer of the case to superior court. First-degree murder is a Class A felony. The juvenile then has a 10-day right to appeal the transfer order. During the pendency of the appeal, which can be a protracted process, the juvenile’s confidentiality must remain protected.
Sheriff Blackwood recognizes the public’s desire for information related to this tragic case, and seeks continued patience. “We cannot afford a misstep this close to the goal line.”
JUVENILE PETITION FILED IN ORANGE COUNTY HOMICIDE CASE
Hillsborough, NC (September 20, 2022) – Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood announced this afternoon that the investigation into the deaths of Devin Clark, 18, and Lyric Woods, 14, led authorities to seek a juvenile petition against a 17 year old for two counts of first-degree murder. Juvenile court personnel with the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention filed the petition this afternoon.
Sheriff Blackwood said, “Through the hard work of my investigators, along with the assistance of personnel from many other law enforcement agencies, we have identified a suspect in this case. We will now work with local, state, and federal authorities to apprehend and present the suspect to the court system.”
Beginning December 1, 2019, 16- and 17-year-old individuals who commit crimes in North Carolina are no longer charged automatically in the adult criminal justice system. If there is a notice of indictment or the court finds probable cause for a Class A-G felony committed by a 16 or 17 year old, a district court judge shall transfer the case to superior court. First-degree murder is a Class A felony.
Sheriff Blackwood also said, “I want to thank the families of Devin Clark and Lyric Woods for trusting us and the investigative process during this excruciatingly painful time. I hope the imminent apprehension of this subject will bring them some comfort as they mourn their loved ones.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has an active task force program within the office. Through inter-agency agreements, the OCSO has relationships with many other law enforcement agencies. When needed, multiple agencies work together to investigate crime, leveraging their skills, talents, and experiences.
Said Blackwood, “I am eternally grateful for the relationships we have with local, state, and federal partners. I would like to specifically thank the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, the Burlington Police Department, the Efland Fire Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Viper Unit with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for their instrumental assistance.”
The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Investigator Keith Goodwin at (919) 245-2918.
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