Police in eastern North Carolina are hunting for a man they say killed his grandmother in her home and later assaulted a deputy inside a fast food restaurant bathroom.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office identified Dominic Liam Connelly, 24, as a “dangerous homicide suspect” and warned the public not to approach if they see him.
The sheriff’s office said it was called to a home in Havelock on Saturday for a structure fire and death investigation. They found Connelly’s grandmother, 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote, dead inside. Her vehicle was missing and officials issued a warrant for Connelly on a motor vehicle larceny charge. the vehicle was found three days later in a parking lot in New Bern, about 20 miles away.
Meanwhile, an autopsy was completed on Lopedote, and officials issued a murder warrant for Connelly, although they did not disclose how Lopedote died. Connelly is also wanted for arson.
Then, on Wednesday, deputies got a call of a possible sighting of Connelly at a Bojangles in Vanceboro, about 35 miles from Havelock. A deputy found him in the establishment’s restroom, but Connelly attacked the deputy with a knife and fled on foot. He was last seen wearing all dark clothing as he ran away.
Officials added warrants for Connelly’s arrest on charges of assault on law enforcement causing serious injury and resisting an officer, although they did not describe the deputy’s injuries. They also did not say why only one deputy was sent to confront a “dangerous homicide suspect.”
Anyone with information should contact the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 636-6620 or Craven County Communications at (252) 633-2357. You can also submit tips anonymously through the Craven County Crime Stoppers app at p3tips.com/986. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to Connelly’s arrest.
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[Featured image: Dominic Liam Connelly/Craven County Sheriff’s Office]
