The tranquil woods of Hillsborough, North Carolina, became the scene of a tragic discovery when two teenagers were found dead after a chilling 911 call. This case has left the community reeling and searching for answers.
Missing Teens Found Deceased After ATV Riders Stumble Upon Gruesome Scene
Lyric Woods, 18, and Devin Clark, 18, were reported missing by their families on September 16th, 2022. The days that followed were filled with worry and uncertainty as the community rallied together to search for the missing teenagers. Sadly, their search came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, September 18th, when two men riding ATVs made a gruesome discovery in a remote area – the bodies of Woods and Clark.
The 911 call, released to the public, reveals the shock and horror in the caller’s voice as he describes stumbling upon the bodies. “We were actually putting our deer stand up, and we discovered them,” he says, his voice trembling. The location, described as a secluded area near power lines, only adds to the eerie and unsettling nature of the discovery.
Police at crime scene tape
Investigation Leads to Murder Charges Against 17-Year-Old Suspect
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation into the deaths of Woods and Clark. The investigation, which spanned for days, involved interviewing potential witnesses and analyzing evidence collected at the crime scene. The meticulous work of the investigators led them to a 17-year-old suspect.
Under North Carolina law, 16 and 17-year-olds who commit crimes are not automatically charged as adults. However, due to the severity of the crime, a juvenile petition was filed against the suspect on two counts of first-degree murder. Given that first-degree murder is classified as a Class A felony in North Carolina, a district court judge will determine whether to transfer the case to Superior Court, where the suspect would be tried as an adult.
“This is a tragic case, and our hearts go out to the families of Lyric and Devin,” said Sheriff Blackwood in a statement to the press. “We are committed to seeking justice for these young victims and their families.”
Community Reeling, Seeking Answers and Justice
The tragic deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark have sent shockwaves through the Hillsborough community. Friends and classmates remember them as kind, vibrant individuals with promising futures. A joint memorial service, held a week after their bodies were found, saw an outpouring of grief and support from the community.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims, along with the entire community, await the next steps in the legal process, hoping for a resolution that brings some measure of peace and justice.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the case to come forward and contact Investigator Keith Goodwin at 919-245-2918. No detail is too small, and every piece of information could be crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.