Federal, state, and local authorities have escalated their search for 24-year-old Dominic Liam Connelly, as the manhunt continues for the suspect who is wanted for charges of murder, arson, and the attempted murder of a Craven County sheriff’s deputy.
Connelly is described as 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, with blonde and brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing desert sand-colored coveralls near Highway 43 and Mile Road in Vanceboro, North Carolina, on Nov. 4, according to officials.
Connelly is sought in connection with the Oct. 25 murder of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, 72, at her residence on N.C. 101 in Havelock. Authorities allege he fatally stabbed Lopedote, set the home ablaze, and then fled the scene. His abandoned vehicle was discovered several days later.
On Oct. 29, authorities reported that Connelly stabbed a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy at a Bojangles restaurant in Vanceboro during an attempted arrest. The deputy suffered serious injuries but survived the attack.
“We are carefully, skillfully, and strategically tracking him and cutting off his supplies,” Hughes said. “Connelly is an experienced outdoorsman who is now scouring for food and shelter in a desperate attempt to avoid the justice system. But rest assured, there is no place he can hide in Craven County to avoid the reach of law enforcement.”
Connelly has been charged with two separate warrants issued by the state of North Carolina. The first, dated Oct. 28, includes murder and first degree arson. The second, issued Oct. 30, adds charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault of a law enforcement officer/police officer causing serious injury, and resisting a public officer.
The Sheriff’s Office urged residents to secure their vehicles and sheds and to check their surveillance cameras for any possible sightings. “If anyone sees Connelly do not approach and call 911 immediately,” the post read.
“It is believed that Connelly brutally murdered the female, who was identified as his grandmother, and after setting fire to the residence … fled,” according to the U.S. Marshals Service wanted poster.
Multiple agencies—including the State Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, N.C. Highway Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard have been assisting in the search by air and ground.
Court records indicate that Connelly had previous encounters with N.C. law enforcement in 2017, facing charges such as contributing to the delinquency of a minor and probation violations.
The FBI warned that Connelly “should be considered armed and dangerous.” Anyone with information is urged to contact the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 636-6620 or Craven County Communications at (252) 633-2357.
“You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American embassy or consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.,” states the FBI.
