VANCEBORO, N.C. (WNCT) — Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes is asking the Vanceboro community to “lay low” as the manhunt for murder suspect Dominic Connelly continues.
Connelly is wanted for an open count of murder, first-degree arson, and larceny of a motor vehicle after the death of his grandmother Sunday night in Havelock. The search started last night after the sheriff said Connelly stabbed one of his deputies at Bojangles on Hwy 43 in Vanceboro, then fled on foot to nearby apartments.
The sheriff’s office has manpower on foot from surrounding agencies and the state, technological support from the SBI, and helicopters and planes scanning the area. Hughes says Connelly’s family is cooperating with the search.
“We have had him in a vehicle, the vehicle that he was in at one time. We now have that as well as one of the bikes that he was utilizing,” Hughes said. “This guy is a criminal, so I would not put it beyond him to steal another vehicle, another bike, and do things.”
Since then, schools in the area have been closed out of safety concerns. Hughes recommends they stay closed until they find Connelly. He is also asking the Vanceboro community to be cautious if the search continues into Halloween.
“It’s just it’s very unfortunate that this criminal has brought this to this community, but we’re going to deal with it. I can tell you there’s going to be a heavy law enforcement presence during Halloween, as there is with every Halloween,” Hughes said.
They are encouraging the community to call their office at 252-636-6620 or Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com/986 anonymously with any tips.
Ernest Strawther
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