Juvenile stands before judge in double murder case of Orange County teens found dead on ATV path
The 17-year-old accused of murdering two Orange County teens is finally back in North Carolina.
The juvenile went before a judge on Tuesday, accused of killing Lyric Woods, 14, and Devin Clark, 18, a few weeks ago. Their bodies were found on an ATV path on Sept. 18. More than two weeks later, a suspect was finally in custody. It then took roughly two more weeks to get him back to Orange County.
Many members of the public still have a lot of questions about that timeline.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office has been keeping the investigation into Clark and Woods' deaths very quiet.
WRAL reporter Sarah Krueger described the level of security in the courthouse and hearing as unlike any she's experienced before. Cameras were not allowed in the building – very unusual for a public space. WRAL News was not allowed inside the hearing.
Also locked out: One of the attorneys for the defendant, William Collier, III, who said, regarding the case, that "justice will be served."
Earlier in the day, District Attorney Jim Woodall confirmed the 17-year-old accused of the double murder would be in court for a procedural hearing.
Because the suspect is as a juvenile, officials are not legally allowed to release his name at this point.
Under state law, juveniles facing charges of murder must be transferred to adult court.
The District Attorney could then move the case back to juvenile court -- although legal experts say that is unlikely.
The Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office say they cannot answer questions about the case because of the juvenile status.
If the case remains in superior court, then eventually the details will become public.
