A manhunt is currently underway in Eastern North Carolina for 24-year-old Dominic Connelly, who is wanted for the murder of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, 72, along with charges of setting her house on fire. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Blue Alert as the search intensifies.
The situation began over the weekend when authorities responded to a structure fire and a death investigation on N.C. 101 Highway in Havelock. Inside the burned home, they discovered Lopedote deceased, prompting an investigation that quickly identified Connelly as the prime suspect.
In a troubling turn of events, Lopedote’s car was reported missing from the residence and was later located abandoned in a parking lot on Pine Tree Drive near the baseball fields in New Bern. Consequently, a warrant was issued for Connelly for the larceny of the vehicle.
The manhunt escalated after an encounter on Wednesday night at a Bojangles in Vanceboro, where Connelly resisted arrest and stabbed a deputy in the process. Authorities confirmed that the deputy is expected to recover from the injury sustained during the incident. Connelly was last seen fleeing the scene, wearing dark clothing, and moving toward the Bailey Lane apartments.
In addition to the initial murder charge, Connelly faces several serious charges including attempted first-degree murder, felony assault on law enforcement causing serious injury, and resisting a public officer.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, advising anyone who spots Connelly to refrain from approaching him and to call 911 immediately. The situation is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in domestic disputes and the potential for violence, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and safety.