RAEFORD, N.C. (BN24) — A North Carolina deputy fatally shot a 13-year-old boy Thursday after the teenager, who was wanted in the killing of his grandmother, charged toward the officer holding a piece of lumber, authorities said.
The shooting took place in the Cameron area of Lee County, roughly 90 miles southwest of Raleigh. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had been alerted about the homicide of 68-year-old Connie Linen, whose body was discovered inside her home in Raeford earlier that day. Authorities have not disclosed details about how Linen was killed, but they confirmed that she was a victim of homicide. Deputies initially responded to the home for a well-being check before discovering her body.
Detectives quickly identified the victim’s grandson as a suspect, and authorities issued a murder charge against him for first-degree murder. The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was later located behind an abandoned mobile home in the Cameron area.
When deputies approached the suspect, he fled on foot. During the pursuit, the teenager grabbed a two-by-four piece of lumber from a nearby yard and charged toward a sheriff’s deputy. The deputy, fearing for his safety, fired his weapon, striking the teen. The boy was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office described the 13-year-old as approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. Sheriff Brian Estes of Lee County confirmed the incident and stated that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) would be conducting a review of the deputy’s actions, which is standard procedure for law enforcement-involved shootings.
“This has been a tragic and emotional situation for everyone involved,” said Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil in a statement Friday. “We ask that our community come together with compassion and understanding as we all process this difficult event.”
As of now, the SBI has not released additional details regarding the investigation, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to further inquiries. The incident is drawing attention to the complexities and emotional toll of law enforcement interactions, particularly when involving juveniles.
The fatal shooting has raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the confrontation. The investigation into both the boy’s death and the ongoing homicide case continues, as authorities look for more information regarding the events leading up to the tragic outcome.
