Story perspectives

Teen Rejects Plea Deal in Double Murder Trial

1/13/2026

32 3

Summary

Story summary

Issiah Ross rejected a plea deal that could have reduced his charges and is being tried as an adult on two counts of first-degree murder for the 2022 killings of Lyric Woods, 14, and Devin Clark, 18, in Orange County, North Carolina.
The trial began on January 12, 2026, with jury selection following Ross's rejection of the plea.
Prosecutors allege that both teens were shot multiple times and were found by ATV riders.
Ross was 17 at the time of the killings.
The trial is expected to last two weeks, with testimony from family members and expert witnesses.

1 of 1

Story summary

Issiah Ross rejected a plea deal that could have reduced his charges and is being tried as an adult on two counts of first-degree murder for the 2022 killings of Lyric Woods, 14, and Devin Clark, 18, in Orange County, North Carolina.
The trial began on January 12, 2026, with jury selection following Ross's rejection of the plea.
Prosecutors allege that both teens were shot multiple times and were found by ATV riders.
Ross was 17 at the time of the killings.
The trial is expected to last two weeks, with testimony from family members and expert witnesses.