The search for 24-year-old Dominic Connelly has officially concluded following nearly two months of efforts by law enforcement, culminating in his arrest on December 11, 2025, in Vanceboro, North Carolina. Connelly had been on the run since the death of his 72-year-old grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, in late October.
Authorities confirmed that Connelly was located hiding in an empty building near Muddy Lane, after a prolonged manhunt. Earlier reports indicated that Connelly had been residing in a densely forested area in an attempt to avoid capture.
What Happened
Dominic Connelly was wanted in connection with the murder of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, who was found dead in her Havelock home on October 25, 2025. Lopedote’s home had also been set on fire. Following the incident, Connelly is also accused of stealing her car, which was later abandoned near baseball fields in New Bern.
The case took a violent turn just days later when Connelly reportedly attacked a sheriff’s deputy on October 29, using a knife to wound the deputy in the leg in a restroom at a Bojangles restaurant in Vanceboro. The deputy was able to survive the attack, but Connelly fled the scene on foot, evading authorities until his arrest on December 11.
The Investigation and Connelly’s Arrest
The search for Connelly involved multiple agencies, including the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, as investigators worked tirelessly to track down the suspect. Authorities had initially suspected that Connelly was hiding out in wooded areas, but it was in an empty building close to Muddy Lane in Vanceboro that he was ultimately found and apprehended.
While Connelly’s capture brings a close to his two-month evasion of law enforcement, the investigation into his grandmother’s death remains ongoing. The official cause of Patricia Lopedote’s death has not yet been released, though authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Following his arrest, Connelly is expected to face charges related to murder, arson, grand theft auto, and assaulting a law enforcement officer, among other potential charges. Investigators are continuing to piece together the details of the case, including the specific circumstances surrounding the fire at Lopedote’s residence.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office and other local authorities have vowed to continue their work in bringing full justice to Patricia Lopedote and her family.
The community is urged to remain vigilant and assist authorities with any further information related to the case.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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