A suspect has been identified in the homicide investigation of Lyric Woods, 14, and Devin Clark, 18, the Orange County’s Sheriff’s Office announced Sept. 20.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, authorities sought a juvenile petition against a 17 year old for two counts of first-degree murder. The petition was filed Tuesday by the juvenile court with the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
16- and 17-year-old individuals who commit crimes in North Carolina, as of Dec. 1, 2019, are no longer charged automatically in the adult criminal justice system.
According to the release, a district court will transfer the case to superior court if there is notice of indictment or if the court finds probable cause for a Class A-G felony committed by a 16 or 17 year old. First-degree murder is a Class A felony.
Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in the release that investigators will now work with local, state and federal authorities to apprehend and present the suspect to the court system.
The investigation is still active.