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

[MsMiniSleuth]

Two teenagers who went missing together Friday and are believed to be friends have been found dead in Western Orange County, North Carolina.

On Saturday, Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on their social media page asking for the public’s help locating 14-year-old Lyric Woods. She was a ninth grader at Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough. She was last seen by her family Friday night in Efland, North Carolina. The sheriff’s office said Woods left home, and her parents could not reach her after 6:00 p.m. Saturday.






An 18-year-old who is said to be friends with Lyric, according to his mother, said her son also went missing Friday, and he was with Lyric.

However, it’s unclear why Orange County Sheriff’s Office did not make a post about the disappearance of 18-year-old Devin Clark. Clark is a student at Eastern Alamance High School. His mother, Tiffany Concepcion, said he had been missing since Friday morning after leaving their home in Mebane. His phone was off, and no one had heard from him.





Clark’s mother, Concepcion, posted a video on Facebook Sunday afternoon before the news about the two being found deceased surfaced on social media, stating that her son and Lyric were friends.

Rumor has it that the two were picked up by an unidentified man, but police have not confirmed the rumors.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office said two men found two bodies in the Western part of the county Sunday afteroon.

According to authorities, the men who found the bodies were riding four-wheelers before they discovered them just before 3:00 p.m.

The sheriff department released the following statement below:

Orange County deputies responded to western Orange County this afternoon after two men reported discovering a pair of bodies just off a power-line easement. The men were riding four-wheelers checking trail cameras.
Investigators are processing the area for evidence and the medical examiner is on scene.
No additional information is available at this time.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that one of the bodies found was a white female and a black male, both under the age of 20.

Lyric Woods mother, Jennifer Johnson Woods, confirmed on social media that her daughter was found Sunday dead.

Two North Carolina Teens Who Reportedly Went Missing Together Friday Have Been Found Dead In Orange County

Two teenagers who went missing together Friday and are believed to be friends have been found dead in Western Orange County, North Carolina.

thencbeat.com

 

[happy128]

Two teens found dead in Orange County, homicide investigation underway

Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a statement his office will work to find those responsible, writing, “As a parent, I cannot imagine how excruciating the wait for confirmation of the victims’ identity is. However, the process is important and critical to lead us to the person or persons responsible for this horrific crime. I’m asking for your patience as we, along with other investigative agencies, do the work necessary to seek justice for the victims and their families.”

 

[StrawberryFields]

They were reported to have been picked up by an unknown adult male before going missing. What a horrid situation. Very sorry for their families

 

[Armchair63]

Lyric Woods and Devin Clark killed: Teen remains at-large more than 24 hours after being charged with killing 2 high schoolers | abc7chicago.com

More than 24 hours after investigators said they know who killed high school students Lyric Woods and Devin Clark, that suspect remains at large.

abc7chicago.com

 

[SteveP]

Suspect in custody! Official statement from Orange County Sheriff's Office.....

Press Releases | ocso

www.ocsonc.com

 

[Seattle1]

Press Releases | ocso

www.ocsonc.com

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.

 

[Seattle1]

The 17-year-old suspect was in court today, but apparently only a procedural hearing, mainly to decide if he will be restrained in future hearings. Apparently no mention yet of moving it from juvenile court. Cameras and reporters were not allowed inside the courtroom.

Suspect in killing of 2 teens appears in Orange County court

Cameras and reporters were not allowed in the hearing, since the suspect is a juvenile.

www.cbs17.com

^^BBM

Today's hearing was called a "secure custody hearing" not to be confused with restraints.

In juvenile proceedings, a secure custody hearing (procedural) is essentially the equivalent of a bond hearing in adult court. Clearly, they decided that the defendant will remain in custody. I believe the defendant will next have his probable cause hearing and once the Court rules there's sufficient evidence to bind the case over for trial, the decision can be made to move the case to adult court. MOO

“The next steps are that the juvenile will be taken to a district court judge for secure custody hearing,” said Nieman. “Essentially it’s the equivalent of a bond hearing in adult court except for an adult court the judge will often make a determination about a monetary amount that the person can or must post to be released awaiting trial. There’s no money involved at the juvenile level. It’s simply a decision of whether or not the person will remain in custody or will be released.”

Juvenile in custody in connection to Orange County double homicide. What happens next?

With a juvenile now in custody following the deaths of two teens in Orange County, several questions remain about where the case goes from here.

www.cbs17.com

We also know from earlier reports that despite the revised law, with probable cause, the DA can fast-track the reverse petition to move the charges to adult court as what happened very quickly for the Graham murders where two defendants including a 14 yo should quickly be moved and charged in adult court.

ETA: 9/21/22 -- minors arrested:

GRAHAM, N.C. — Two teenage boys, ages 14 and 17, were arrested in connection to the deaths of two other teenage boys in Graham in August.
Graham police said on Tuesday night that investigators obtained secure custody orders for the suspects. Police have not identified them due to to their ages, but both are facing first-degree murder charges.

2 teenage boys, 14 and 17, arrested in connection to Graham murders

Two teenage boys, ages 14 and 17, were arrested in connection to the deaths of two other teenage boys in Graham in August.

www.wral.com

9/23/22 --Third suspect arrested:

Today, the department has announced the arrest of a third suspect, a Durham man charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact to first degree murder.

Taijon Martre Laury, 20, was originally arrested this morning in Durham on one count of a probation violation. Graham police report that he was given a $1 million secured bond on that charge.

BREAKING FRI.: Third suspect arrested in Graham double homicide case - alamancenews.com

A Durham man has been arrested in connection with an August double homicide in Graham that resulted in the deaths of two 16-year-olds. Earlier this week, the Graham police announced […]

alamancenews.com

9/27/22 -- Teens arraigned in court and named by MSM:

The probable cause hearing 10/11/22 for Tyshon Wiley, 17.

14-year-old Kymoni Melendez Poteat, who was not present in person or via an online connection. Khot agreed to waive the initial secure custody hearing for her client.

Poteat’s next hearing, a review of the security custody order which requires him to remain in detention pending trial, was scheduled for October 4; a probable cause hearing was set for Wiley on October 11.

"Hanging out" turns deadly; two teens stand accused of first degree murder of two other teens - alamancenews.com

14- and 17-year-old teens remain in custody; future court dates set for Oct. 4 & 11 Two juveniles charged with first-degree murder will remain in secure custody, after two separate […]

alamancenews.com

 

[Seattle1]

Name of 17-year-old suspect in Orange County double homicide remains sealed, for now

The 17-year-old suspect in the murders of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark was in court Tuesday, but identity of that suspect, which has been the source of much speculation, remains sealed.

www.wral.com

Thanks, @oliveyoutothemoon9....

From the link:

Leaders anticipate approximately a 15-day timeline for the case to enter the court, at which point an arraignment will occur.

"Based upon the large amount of public interest in this case ... I did want to let the public know that we have made the decision to seek transfer of this case to adult Superior Court," said attorney Jeff Nieman.

"It is reasonable to assume that once the case goes to Superior Court, that there will be a bond hearing of some kind or or some other preliminary hearing," Nieman also said.

Nieman reiterated that anyone under 18 is not eligible to receive the death penalty.

 

[SteveP]

ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 17-year-old charged with killing two Orange County teenagers is due back in court Tuesday.

The case could be moved to adult court, meaning we could learn the name of the person charged.

17-year-old charged in Orange County makes court appearance

Family members of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark were in court for the hearing.

abc11.com

 

[MajorHoople]

Here's a new update from WRAL

Name of 17-year-old suspect in Orange County double homicide remains sealed, for now :: WRAL.com

The 17-year-old suspect in the murders of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark was in court Tuesday, but identity of that suspect, which has been the source of much speculation, remains sealed.

legacy.wral.com

Updated October 25, 2022 3:11 p.m. EDT

"The 17-year-old suspect in the murders of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark is due in court Tuesday, with his case expected to be moved from the juvenile system to be tried as an adult. That change would make the identity of the suspect, which has been the source of much speculation, public.

Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall explained the hearing “is required to officially move the case out of juvenile court jurisdiction and into the jurisdiction of Superior Court - adult court.”

The suspect has been in custody since Oct. 5.

The boy was detained after a juvenile petition was served. The petition against the boy, whose name was not released, includes two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Clark and Woods.

The suspect has yet to be identified because of his juvenile status. With the transfer to Superior Court, the suspect's name will likely become public.

"Based upon the large amount of public interest in this case ... I did want to let the public know that we have made the decision to seek transfer of this case to adult Superior Court," said attorney Jeff Nieman."

 

[CocoChanel]

Please continue the discussion here……

 

[SteveP]

The thread title is incorrect. They were found murdered in Orange County, not Alamance. Self-reporting.

 

[SteveP]

We may learn his name as soon as Monday. He will be tried as an adult.

No appeal filed in time to charge teen accused of shooting, killing 2 Orange Co. teens

The juvenile accused in the shooting deaths of two teenagers in Orange County will likely be tried as an adult after a deadline to appeal that process passed.

abc11.com

 

[formerlyme]

No appeal filed, that is maybe good news right, maybe he is going to take responsibility?

 

[elisimo]

Just named Issiah Mekhi Ross as the suspect. Moving to adult court.

17-year-old charged with first-degree murder of Orange County teens

Court documents on Monday named the teenager charged in connection with the September deaths of friends Lyric Woods and Devin Clark.

www.wral.com

 

[Lusitana]

So... what was the relationship between Devin, Lyric and Issiah?

 

[formerlyme]

So many questions to be answered in the near future I hope, did he go to school with one of them, where did he run to, how did they identify him as the suspect, I am pretty sure their case is solid with some good dna evidence....

 

[SimplyCass]

No appeal filed, that is maybe good news right, maybe he is going to take responsibility?

That's not really how it will play out. He's being represented by attorneys who will file all the avenues of appeal. If they don't, he could accuse them of ineffective counsel and appeal the outcome of the case. If he were to plead guilty (or something like that), he would probably have to fire his lawyers, which would trigger another series of hearings if 1) he can do that and 2) if he is mentally competent/understands this decision.

Above is IMO based on other cases have gone. Things could be different because he's a minor or due to specific NC laws.

 

[stormymama]

According to the WRAL article, he went to school with Devin.

 

[SteveP]

So many questions to be answered in the near future I hope, did he go to school with one of them, where did he run to, how did they identify him as the suspect, I am pretty sure their case is solid with some good dna evidence....

Issiah Mehki Ross, 17, of Mebane, went to school, with Clark. Ross is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Woods, 14, and Clark, 18, whose bodies were found on Sept. 18 off a remote ATV path.

17-year-old charged with first-degree murder of Orange County teens

Court documents on Monday named the teenager charged in connection with the September deaths of friends Lyric Woods and Devin Clark.

www.wral.com

MSM has not stated anything as to any relationship between the suspect and Lyric Woods...yet.