Death investigation Coverage

12-year-old found dead in Kinston, cause under investigation

The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 12-year-old boy who was found shot Thursday evening.

WRAL Staff

FBI offers $75,000 reward, renews plea for tips in deaths of 3 Lumberton women

The FBI is renewing its call for information related to three Lumberton women who were found dead within a four-block radius in 2017 between April and June.

Goldsboro families seeking answers after 4 found dead, raising concerns over laced drugs

"It's unknown at this time if any drugs collected at the scene of each location, if any, is laced," the Goldsboro police chief said in a statement. "That is part of the ongoing investigations, and it's too soon to say."

Heidi Kirk, WRAL reporter

Goldsboro police investigating four deaths in four days

The family of one of the people found spoke with WRAL News and said they knew something was wrong days before she was found.

4 bodies found in Goldsboro raises concerns about fentanyl

"It's unknown at this time if any drugs collected at the scene of each location, if any, is laced," the Goldsboro police chief said in a statement. "That is part of the ongoing investigations, and it's too soon to say."

WRAL staff

Three bodies found over three days in Goldsboro

According to the Goldsboro Police Department, authorities are investigating three bodies found over three days in the city.

Third body in 3 days found Sunday in Goldsboro, police say

On Sunday, authorities in Goldsboro discovered a body -- the third body found in three days.

WRAL staff

Human remains found near highway in Catawba County

The remains were found off of NC 150 near Sherrills Ford.

WCNC

19-year-old found dead from shooting at Roanoke River

Sherrod Person was found dead after being shot multiple times. Police found Person's body in the Roanoke River on Saturday.

Triple homicide: Missing mother & two children found dead in Charlotte apartment

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating a triple homicide after discovering three bodies in an apartment while executing a search warrant.

WRAL Staff

Inside the deliberation room: Juror explains how group came to giulty verdict in murder trial

Jury member Cathy Nestor explained what led to the group's decision to convict Erick Hernandez-Mendez of murder in the 2021 stabbing of his wife, Christina Matos.

'It was lie after lie': Jury member shares what led to Erick Hernandez-Mendez's guilty murder verdict

Jury member Cathy Nestor explained what led to the group's decision to convict Erick Hernandez-Mendez of murder in the 2021 stabbing of his wife, Christina Matos.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Erick Hernandez-Mendez awaits verdict; jury to decide if he stabbed wife to death

On Tuesday, Erick Hernandez-Mendez faced more tough questions about the stabbing death in 2021 of his wife, Christina Matos.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Prosecution cross-examines murder suspect during trial for Christina Matos' death

Erick Hernandez-Mendez faced cross-examination on Tuesday after admitting to lying to investigators during the death investigation of Christina Matos.

Erick Hernandez-Mendez guilty: Stabbed wife 5 days after marriage, gets life in prison

Erick Hernandez-Mendez was found guilty of first-degree murder of his wife, Christina Matos, and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

NC sweet potato farm faces $187,000 fine after death of worker

A sweet potato farm owned by the husband of North Carolina State Senator Lisa Barnes faces a $187,000 fine after the death of a worker.

Murder suspect calls marriage a 'sham' to gain US citizenship, says roommate killed his wife

Erick Hernandez-Mendez, charged with the April 2021 murder of his wife, maintained his innocence on Monday, testifying his wife was killed by her roommate.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Missing Fayetteville woman presumed dead in South Carolina

Jamilla Smith, 30, was last seen Dec. 2 after calling 911 to report her ex-boyfriend was at her South Carolina home.

Raleigh police interview footage reveals new clues in case against man charged in murder of NC State student

The defendant accused in the murder of his wife, Christina Matos, a student at North Carolina State University, could take the stand as early as Friday.

Investigator testifies about DNA evidence in fatal stabbing of 20-year-old NC State student

A state crime investigator testified that Christina Matos' DNA was found in Erick Hernandez-Mendez's car on gloves in his car.

Investigator testifies about DNA evidence in fatal stabbing of 20-year-old NC State student

A state crime investigator testified that Christina Matos' DNA was found in Erick Hernandez-Mendez's car on gloves in his car.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

'I see love': Balloon release held for teen found dead at Raleigh park

17-year-old Caprice Burrell was found dead Saturday at Pate Park near Lake Wheeler Road on Saturday evening. Burrell's family believed she was lying on the ground for nearly an hour before someone realized she was unresponsive.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

The body of a teenager found in Raleigh's Pate Park, police investigate

Raleigh police are investigating the discovery of a teenager's body found at Pate Park near Lake Wheeler Road on Saturday evening.

WRAL Staff

Man charged in wife's murder appears in Wake County Court

Erick Hernandez Mendez was charged with murder in the case of Christina Matos' murder. Matos died in April of 2021.

Teen died from accidentally ingesting fentanyl, Franklin Co. Sheriff says

According to the Franklin County Sheriff, 18-year-old Jacob Cope died from accidentally ingesting fentanyl. Cope was found dead on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.