VERDICT WATCH NC - Devin Clark, 18, Lyric Woods, 14, found murdered, Alamance Co., 18 Sept 2022 *ARREST* #2

[Seattle1]

Forensic Scientist breaks down DNA samples from vehicle, victims, and defendant

1/21/26

 

[oliveyoutothemoon9]

i didn’t see it mentioned in the trial but did they ever have any videos of Issiah being questioned by police? if his story was always self defense i could see it being more plausible . however it seems as though the self defense came out of nowhere & after several years so that’s questionable. i feel like the jury will have tough time proving beyond reasonable doubt based off everything or lack thereof presented during the trial

 

[Seattle1]

i didn’t see it mentioned in the trial but did they ever have any videos of Issiah being questioned by police? if his story was always self defense i could see it being more plausible . however it seems as though the self defense came out of nowhere & after several years so that’s questionable. i feel like the jury will have tough time proving beyond reasonable doubt based off everything or lack thereof presented during the trial

It wasn't until Monday, Jan 12, 2026, right before jury selection, that the defense Motioned Ross was going to argue "self-defense." The State didn't protest the late filing.


The attorney for an Alamance County man accused of fatally shooting two teenagers in Orange County in 2022 said in court Monday that he will argue it was self-defense when the jury trial starts later this week.

[..]

Defense attorney Jonathan Trapp’s comment about self-defense elicited a snort of derision from one of the victims’ relatives Monday. Deputies were stationed around the courtroom for what is expected to be a high-profile and tense trial.

[..]

Ross’ attorney Jonathan Trapp acknowledged in court last year that Ross picked up Clark and Woods, but said a witness told Orange County deputies the teens were shot after Ross and Clark struggled over a gun.

Man accused of killing teens in Orange County claims self-defense as trial starts

Issiah Ross was charged with murdering Lyric Woods and Devin Clark shortly before his 18th birthday after fleeing to Delaware.

www.yahoo.com

 

[Seattle1]

Orange County
Tuesday, 01/27/2026

All Facilities​

All of the Orange County Courthouse Locations will be closed on January 27th, of 2026 due to adverse weather conditions.

Court Closings and Advisories | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Changes in local court sessions have occurred in the counties highlighted in the map below. Scroll below the map to find details by county.

www.nccourts.gov

 

[Seattle1]

Wednesday, 01/28/2026

All Facilities​

All Orange County Courthouse facilities will be on a delayed opening for January 28th, of 2026. The Courthouse will open at 10:00 am.

Hours of operation:
ALL buildings and courts sessions Will open at 10:00 AM

Court Closings and Advisories | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Changes in local court sessions have occurred in the counties highlighted in the map below. Scroll below the map to find details by county.

www.nccourts.gov

 

[Seattle1]

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/orange-county-news/jury-returns-to-determine-verdict-in-double-murder-trial-of-issiah-ross-in-orange-county/

 

[Seattle1]

1/28/26

Issiah Ross Trial live updates: Jury deliberations resume in Orange County double murder case

Issiah Ross is on trial for killing two Orange County teenagers in 2022. He was 17 when the crime happened and he tried as an adult.

abc11.com

 

[Seattle1]

Issiah Ross double murder trial: Third day of jury deliberations ends with no verdict

The jury in the Issiah Ross double murder trial is closer to a verdict, but they remain split after Wednesday's proceedings.

www.wral.com

1/28/26

The jury was still deliberating around 3 p.m. Before lunch, the group asked to see photos of the scene again and clarity on the legal difference between voluntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.

 

[oliveyoutothemoon9]

Issiah Ross double murder trial: Third day of jury deliberations ends with no verdict

The jury in the Issiah Ross double murder trial is closer to a verdict, but they remain split after Wednesday's proceedings.

www.wral.com

 

[lynchmob67]

Jury reaches verdict in the murder trial of Issiah Ross

Issiah Ross is accused of killing 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark in 2022. Clark is from Mebane and attended Eastern Alamance High School.

wxii12.com

According to our affiliate WRAL, the jury found Ross guilty of second-degree murder of Devin Clark.
WRAL also reports that the prosecution and defense agreed to move the first-degree murder charge of Lyric Woods to a mistrial. Both sides could retry this count, but it will be settled at a later date.

 

[elisimo]

Can anyone shed light on the physical evidence that supports the prosecution’s theory of what happened? Honestly, the coverage here was spotty, and I had trouble following the information as it was presented. I also find it interesting that the jury went for 2nd degree instead of voluntary manslaughter, especially given that they were deadlocked on Lyric’s case.

 

[Ssschu]

Jury reaches verdict in the murder trial of Issiah Ross

Issiah Ross is accused of killing 14-year-old Lyric Woods and 18-year-old Devin Clark in 2022. Clark is from Mebane and attended Eastern Alamance High School.

wxii12.com

According to our affiliate WRAL, the jury found Ross guilty of second-degree murder of Devin Clark.
WRAL also reports that the prosecution and defense agreed to move the first-degree murder charge of Lyric Woods to a mistrial. Both sides could retry this count, but it will be settled at a later date.

How can they find him guilty of one murder but not the other?!?