North Carolina Manhunt Intensifies for Dominic Connelly After Grandmother’s Death and Deputy Attack

The quiet communities of Vanceboro and Havelock, North Carolina, have been shaken by a harrowing sequence of events that has left one woman dead, a deputy wounded, and an armed suspect on the run. Authorities have identified the suspect as 24-year-old Dominic Liam Connelly, who is now the focus of an intense, multi-agency manhunt involving the U.S. Marshals Service, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, and other local and state law enforcement agencies.

The tragedy began on October 25, when deputies from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a house fire in Havelock, a small town near the North Carolina coast. Inside the ashes of the burned-down home, investigators found the body of 72-year-old Patricia Jean Timek Lopedote, Connelly’s grandmother. Authorities later determined that she had died before the fire, leading to suspicions of foul play. Her car was later found abandoned in New Bern, deepening fears that her grandson was responsible.

Patricia Lopedote, a longtime resident of Havelock, was remembered by friends and family as a loving caretaker, devoted grandmother, and talented home cook who was known for her kindness and her ability to make others feel welcome. She often prepared homemade gifts for neighbors and friends, and those who knew her describe her as “a woman who gave more than she ever asked for.” Her death has left the community heartbroken and deeply unsettled.

Authorities allege that after taking his grandmother’s life and setting her home ablaze, Dominic Connelly fled the scene. On October 29, four days later, a deputy encountered Connelly in Vanceboro, about 20 miles away. During that confrontation, the suspect allegedly stabbed the deputy, who was rushed to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, the deputy survived the attack. Connelly once again escaped, disappearing into the heavily wooded areas surrounding the town.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has since confirmed that Connelly was last seen on October 31, appearing on a trail camera near 10000 U.S. Highway 17. He was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, camouflage pants, and carrying a small bag. Despite extensive searches, including ground and aerial units, no trace of him was found.

Days later, on November 4, new footage surfaced from a Ring doorbell camera showing a man resembling Connelly wearing tan clothing, carrying a backpack, a blanket, and a one-gallon jug. Sheriff Chip Hughes stated that Connelly may have changed clothes and could still be traveling on foot through rural areas. Authorities also believe he may have received assistance from acquaintances or family members, possibly through food, money, or clothing.

Due to ongoing safety concerns, several local schools temporarily shifted to remote learning, and public Halloween activities in parts of Craven County were postponed as law enforcement agencies conducted searches and set up checkpoints.

Connelly is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Officials urge anyone who spots him to avoid approaching and to call 911 immediately or contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2.

Court records reveal that Connelly had prior legal troubles, including charges in 2017 for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and violating probation. He listed his grandmother’s address as his residence as recently as 2021, suggesting a close connection to the home that now lies in ruins.

As the manhunt stretches into its second week, residents across Craven County remain on high alert. Sheriff Hughes emphasized that every tip and every camera recording could be crucial, saying, “The more time that passes, the farther he can move. We need the public’s help.”

Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve the loss of Patricia Lopedote—a woman described as “gentle, giving, and filled with love.” Her friends have begun organizing a small memorial to honor her life, remembering her not for the tragedy that took her, but for the warmth and compassion she gave so freely.

The search for Dominic Connelly remains ongoing as law enforcement vows to bring him into custody and deliver justice for the beloved grandmother whose life and home were so tragically taken.