Three schools in Craven County have shifted to remote learning for Friday, October 31st, as a precautionary measure while law enforcement continues a widespread search for a murder suspect. The decision affects students and staff at Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, West Craven Middle School, and West Craven High School.
The manhunt centers on 24-year-old Dominic Connelly, who is wanted in connection with the death of his grandmother and a subsequent assault on a police officer. The school district's move to asynchronous learning aims to ensure the safety of the community as the search operation intensifies in the Vanceboro area.
Key Takeaways
- Three Craven County schools will operate on a remote, asynchronous schedule on Friday, October 31st.
- The closure is a safety precaution due to an ongoing manhunt for murder suspect Dominic Connelly.
- Connelly is also a suspect in the stabbing of a Craven County deputy on Wednesday.
- The search is concentrated in the Vanceboro area, prompting the school district to act.
Community on Alert as Search Continues
Residents in and around Vanceboro are on high alert as multiple law enforcement agencies coordinate a search for Dominic Connelly. The 24-year-old is the primary suspect in the killing of his grandmother, 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote. Her body was discovered last Saturday at her home in Havelock, which had been set on fire.
The situation escalated Wednesday night when a Craven County deputy was stabbed at a fast-food restaurant located at 380 Highway 43 in Vanceboro. Connelly has been identified as the suspect in that attack, which has significantly heightened the urgency of the manhunt and expanded the search perimeter.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. The presence of police is heavy in the area, with roadblocks and checkpoints established to monitor movement.
Impact on the School Community
The decision by Craven County Schools to transition three specific schools to remote learning directly reflects the geographic focus of the police operation. In a statement, the district confirmed that Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, West Craven Middle School, and West Craven High School would move to an asynchronous learning model for the day. This means students will complete assignments independently from home, and all staff will work remotely.
What is Asynchronous Learning?
Asynchronous learning allows students to access educational materials and complete assignments at their own pace and on their own schedule, without live, real-time instruction. This model is often used during emergency closures to maintain educational continuity while providing maximum flexibility for families.
The district emphasized that the safety of students and staff is its foremost priority. By keeping campuses closed in the affected area, officials hope to minimize potential risks and avoid interfering with the ongoing law enforcement activities. All other schools within the Craven County district are expected to operate on a normal schedule.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation into Dominic Connelly involves two separate but related violent crimes. The initial case began on Saturday when emergency services responded to a house fire in Havelock. After extinguishing the blaze, authorities discovered the remains of Patricia Lopedote, Connelly's grandmother. Her death was subsequently ruled a homicide, and Connelly was named as the person of interest.
Timeline of Events
- Last Saturday: Patricia Lopedote, 72, is found deceased in her burned home in Havelock. Her death is ruled a homicide.
- Wednesday Night: A Craven County deputy is stabbed at a fast-food restaurant in Vanceboro.
- Thursday: Dominic Connelly, 24, is identified as the suspect in both the murder and the stabbing. A large-scale manhunt begins.
- Friday, Oct. 31st: Three schools near the search area shift to remote learning as a safety measure.
The search for Connelly intensified after the incident on Wednesday evening. A Craven County deputy encountered the suspect at a restaurant on Highway 43, leading to an altercation during which the deputy was stabbed. The officer's injuries were serious, but updates on their condition have not been publicly released. Following the attack, Connelly fled the scene, triggering a massive police response in the Vanceboro area.
Authorities describe Connelly as dangerous and have warned the public not to approach him. His connection to both the murder of a family member and the assault of a law enforcement officer indicates a high level of desperation and potential for further violence.
A Community Responds to Crisis
The shift to remote learning is just one of the many ways the community is adapting to the ongoing public safety threat. Local businesses have reported being more cautious, and residents are advised to secure their homes and vehicles. The heavy police presence, while reassuring to some, also serves as a constant reminder of the potential danger.
Parent-teacher organizations and community social media groups have been active, sharing information from the school district and law enforcement to ensure all families are aware of the situation. The primary focus for parents is keeping their children safe and calm amidst the uncertainty.
"Our primary concern is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution and in cooperation with our law enforcement partners," a district spokesperson communicated in an email to parents.
The asynchronous learning day allows families to remain at home without the need to navigate roads that may be subject to police activity. It also prevents the gathering of large numbers of students at schools located within the active search zone. School officials have stated they will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide updates regarding plans for the following school week.
As the search for Dominic Connelly enters another day, the communities of Vanceboro and Havelock remain on edge, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution that will allow life, and school, to return to normal.