Executive Summary
- Dominic Connelly is wanted for the murder of his grandmother, arson, and stabbing a deputy.
- The FBI and SBI have joined the Craven County Sheriff’s Office in the search.
- A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
- The last credible sighting of Connelly was on November 4 near Vanceboro.
A nationwide manhunt for 24-year-old murder suspect Dominic Connelly has intensified with the formal involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), following accusations of a deadly crime spree in Havelock, North Carolina. Connelly is sought by authorities in connection with the murder of his grandmother, the arson of her residence, and the stabbing of a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy during an initial attempt to effectuate an arrest.
According to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, local deputies, alongside federal and state partners, executed an extensive search operation in the Vanceboro area from October 29 through November 11. Sheriff Chip Hughes confirmed that the last credible sighting of the fugitive occurred on November 4. Despite the lapse in time, law enforcement officials remain actively engaged in the pursuit. Sheriff Hughes stated on Tuesday, "We used absolutely every piece of resource at our disposal. We’re continuing that investigation. It is ongoing."
Sheriff Hughes further noted that investigators are preparing specific follow-up actions over the coming weeks, describing the current phase of the operation as an "intelligence-driven fugitive case." Authorities are urging the public to report any information regarding Connelly’s whereabouts to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers. A combined reward of $10,000 remains active for tips that lead to his apprehension.
Investigative Outlook
The escalation of this manhunt to include the FBI and SBI signals that law enforcement anticipates the possibility that the suspect may have crossed state lines or possesses the means to evade local detection for an extended period. By characterizing the search as "intelligence-driven," officials are likely shifting tactics from broad physical sweeps to targeted digital forensics and surveillance to generate leads. The substantial reward and multi-agency cooperation underscore the high priority placed on locating the suspect due to the violent nature of the alleged offenses. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
