Breaking: I have confirmed that Dominic Connelly, the suspect at the center of a weeks-long manhunt in Craven County, was captured alive this morning. Investigators found him in an abandoned building on Muddy Lane, north of Vanceboro, and took him into custody. A 2:00 p.m. news conference is set to outline the arrest and next steps in the case.
Suspect Captured Alive in Craven County
Sheriff’s officials told me the arrest team moved in after renewed ground searches in the Muddy Lane area. The operation followed the use of helicopters, drones, K‑9 teams, and cadaver dogs that had been working the search grid. Connelly will be booked at the county detention facility. Medical checks are underway, which is standard after a prolonged search.
A 2:00 p.m. briefing will address the capture, expected charges, and ongoing safety guidance.
What Led to the Manhunt
The October 25 homicide and fire
On October 25, first responders found 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote dead in her burned home near Havelock. Investigators determined she had been stabbed before the fire started. Her vehicle was reported stolen from the scene. Detectives identified her grandson, Dominic Connelly, as the primary suspect in the homicide and arson investigation.
The October 29 deputy stabbing
On October 29, deputies encountered Connelly in Vanceboro. During that contact, a Craven County deputy was stabbed in the leg. The deputy survived. Connelly fled, which escalated the case into a high-risk fugitive hunt.
In the weeks that followed, law enforcement ran a combined operation. Teams used drones, helicopters, trail cameras, and K‑9 assets. Cadaver dogs were deployed at times to check wooded and water areas for remains or evidence. The search footprint stretched across rural roads, farm edges, and creek lines. Rewards for information rose from 5,000 dollars to a combined 10,000 dollars as the hunt continued. Several schools shifted to remote learning on safety grounds. Residents were urged to lock sheds, garages, and vehicles, and to secure food and water sources.
Legal Path From Here
Connelly now moves from fugitive status into the court process. Based on the case history, expected charges include murder, first-degree arson, assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, and vehicle theft. Additional counts for fleeing, breaking and entering, or weapons violations may follow. Final charging decisions rest with prosecutors after evidence review.
He will receive a first appearance before a district court judge, likely within 48 hours. He has the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If he cannot afford one, the court will appoint counsel. For the most serious offenses, a judge will decide conditions of pretrial release. In North Carolina, bail is not guaranteed in capital cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Murder cases are often addressed in superior court for bond decisions.
Prosecutors will present the case to a grand jury for indictment. Arson and homicide counts require careful forensic proof. That includes cause and origin of the fire, autopsy findings, DNA, and any statements. The state must also show that any statements were voluntary and that searches followed the law. Defense counsel will likely challenge identification, chain of custody, and any warrantless entries.
- What to expect next:
- Initial appearance and appointment of counsel
- Filing of formal charges and probable cause review
- Custody and bond rulings by the court
- Continued evidence collection and public records releases as allowed
What Residents Should Know
The immediate threat has eased with the arrest. Deputies may still be in the area to collect evidence and return property. If your outbuildings were disturbed, document any damage and call law enforcement. Save any trail camera footage or relevant phone video, and do not delete it.
Victims and families have specific rights to updates, attendance at hearings, and restitution requests under state law. The public also has a right to many records. Some materials can be withheld during an active investigation. Booking information and basic arrest data should be available soon.
Schools and local agencies will make their own safety calls in the coming days. Expect updates on reopening plans and counseling resources. If you provided tips, detectives may follow up. Patience matters as they finish interviews and lab work.
You can request non-confidential records from the sheriff or the clerk’s office. Ask for incident reports, charging documents, and court dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where was Dominic Connelly found?
A: He was found alive in an abandoned building on Muddy Lane, north of Vanceboro, and taken into custody.
Q: What charges will he face?
A: Prosecutors are expected to pursue murder, first-degree arson, assault on a law enforcement officer, and related offenses. Final charges will be announced in court.
Q: Is there any ongoing threat to the community?
A: With the suspect in custody, the active danger has eased. You may still see police activity as evidence is collected.
Q: When will we learn more details?
A: Officials set a 2:00 p.m. news conference today. Charging documents and booking details should follow standard release timelines.
Q: What are his rights now?
A: He has the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. He will receive a first appearance and may seek a bond hearing under state law.
Conclusion
The capture of Dominic Connelly ends a tense search and begins a complex court fight. The community can exhale, but the legal work is just starting. Today’s arrest resets the story from pursuit to proof, from warnings to hearings, and from fear to accountability in open court. I will continue to report developments as charges are filed and the case proceeds.
