Dominic Connelly: Manhunt underway for man accused of killing grandma in Eastern North Carolina

NEW BERN, N.C. (WTVD) — A manhunt is underway in Eastern North Carolina for a suspect wanted in connection with a murder and the stabbing of a deputy.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office said Dominic Connelly, 24, is wanted for killing his grandmother and setting her house on fire a few days ago. Drivers may see a Blue Alert on highway signs in the area.
On Saturday, authorities were called for a structure fire and death investigation on N.C. 101 Highway in Havelock. Inside the home, they found Patricia Lopedote, 72, dead. Connelly, her grandson, was identified by authorities as responsible following an investigation.
Lopedote’s car was missing from the home and found a few days later in a parking lot on Pine Tree Drive near the baseball fields in New Bern. A warrant was issued against Connelly for larceny of a motor vehicle.
Connelly was last seen Wednesday night at a Bojangles in Vanceboro, where he stabbed a deputy during an attempted arrest. The 24-year-old was wearing all dark clothing at the time running toward Bailey Lane apartments. The deputy is expected to recover.
Additional warrants are issued against Connelly for attempted first-degree murder, felony assault on law enforcement causing serious injury, and resisting a public officer.
If anyone sees Connelly, do not approach and immediately call 911.
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