The search for a North Carolina man accused of a series of violent crimes has intensified with the involvement of U.S. Marshals. The 24-year-old, Dominic Liam Connelly, is wanted on grave charges including the murder of his grandmother, the destruction of her home by fire, and the assault of a deputy.
Connelly was most recently spotted in Vanceboro, North Carolina, but authorities have issued a warning that he could be heading to New York, given his known connections there. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to consider him armed and extremely dangerous.
The tragic sequence of events began when the charred remains of Connelly’s grandmother, 72-year-old Patricia Jean Timek Lopedote, were discovered in what was left of her Craven County residence. The blaze is believed to have been deliberately set.
In addition to the homicide and arson charges, Connelly faces accusations of motor vehicle theft, attempted murder, and felony assault. In a bid to aid in his capture, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office has distributed surveillance images of Connelly. However, Sheriff Chip Hughes warns that he may have altered his appearance, as there is a possibility he has acquired new clothing with assistance from others.
Described physically, Connelly is around 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs approximately 180 pounds, and has distinctive wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Connelly is described as standing 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He has wavy blonde hair and blue eyes.
Craven County deputies responded to a house fire on Oct. 25, when they found Lopedote dead.
WATCH: Home security video shows fugitive suspected of grandma’s murder, deputy stabbing in North Carolina
On Oct. 29, he allegedly stabbed a deputy in Vanceboro. The deputy survived, but the suspect got away.
Dominic Liam Connelly, 24, in an undated mugshot photo. (Craven County Sheriff’s Office)
He was still in Vanceboro when he was last seen two days later, on Oct. 31, appearing on a trail camera near 10000 U.S. Highway 17, according to the sheriff’s office. At the time, he was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and camo pants, carrying what appeared to be a bag in his right hand.
A map showing where homicide suspect Dominic Connelly was seen. (OpenMap/Fox News)
A search of the surrounding area turned up nothing. Residents are asked to check their trail cameras and home security systems.
On Nov. 4, a homeowner’s Ring camera captured what appeared to be Connelly again — this time wearing tan clothing and carrying what appeared to be a backpack, blanket and one-gallon jug.
Patricia Lopedote, 72, was found dead in her burned-down home in Havelock, North Carolina, on Oct. 25. Her grandson, Dominic Connelly, is suspected of killing her, torching the home and fleeing in her car, which was recovered abandoned in New Bern. (Craven County Sheriff’s Office)
“They immediately got that video to us, just like we’ve asked,” Sheriff Chip Hughes told local reporters. “Obviously the more time that elapses, the more time that he has to move.”
He said the new outfit may include overalls.
“We do have reason to believe that there might be people out there assisting him, in some way, shape or form,” the sheriff added. “Whether it’s money, food, water, clothing, he does have family in the area.”
Low-resolution still images taken from surveillance video show Dominic Connelley in what appears to be a Walmart checkout area. The 24-year-old is wanted on charges including murder, arson and attempted murder in the death of his grandmother and a deputy’s stabbing. (Craven County Sheriff’s Office)
Due to the ongoing manhunt, schools have been holding remote classes, and Halloween events were rescheduled, according to WCTI-TV.
Anyone who sees Connelly is asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information can call the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2.
Court records show Connelly had prior run-ins with the law in 2017 on charges including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and violating probation.
Dominic Connelly pictured in an undated photograph. The 24-year-old is wanted on charges including murder, arson, and attempted murder. Authorities say he is armed and dangerous. (Craven County Sheriff’s Office)
He shared his grandmother’s address as recently as 2021, court records show.
Lopedote, who lived in Havelock, is remembered as a loving caretaker, generous cook and homemade gift-giver in an online obituary.
