UPDATE: All Individuals Identified in Assault Video; Charges Pending, Sheriff Says
RECENT UPDATE:
I just got home and have been reading posts on social media. I understand the concerns surrounding this case, and I want to address a few issues and provide some clarification.
First, the juvenile victim in this case is an African American male.
Second, the young lady seen punching the victim in the video is not my niece. She is a second cousin on my wife’s side of the family and will be charged with assault. Juvenile’s information can not and will not be released to the public. I have worked in law enforcement for more than 34 years and I firmly believe that the law applies equally to everyone.
I was notified of this incident for the first time this morning at approximately 8:20 a.m. By that time, deputies had already begun investigating the matter and were actively interviewing witnesses.
To ensure complete transparency and public confidence, I have requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to review the entire investigation to ensure the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has handled this case properly and thoroughly.
The juvenile victim in this matter sustained injuries and received medical treatment. The victim and his father came to the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, June 15, to report the assault.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation. Everyone involved will be held accountable based on the facts and evidence.
Sheriff Jackie Rogers
PREVIOUS UPDATE:
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Ashton Clark, 18, of Lenoir County, has been charged with Felony Assault by Strangulation and Conspiracy. He was placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond.
Landon Harris, 19, of Pitt County, has been charged with Cyberbullying and Conspiracy. He was placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a $2,500 secured bond.
A 17-year-old juvenile has been charged with Felony Assault by Strangulation and Conspiracy. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a secure juvenile detention facility.
Six additional juveniles have been identified and will be charged with offenses ranging from Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Simple Assault, and Conspiracy. All juveniles will be processed through the juvenile justice system.
This incident stemmed from a dispute between juveniles and, at this time, the investigation doesn’t appear to be racially motivated.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Several additional arrests are expected.
We appreciate the assistance from the public and everyone who has provided information during this investigation.
PREVIOUS UPDATE:
Less than a day after a disturbing assault video began circulating on social media, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office announced that all individuals involved have been identified and will face charges. Sheriff Jackie Rogers credited members of the public for providing information that assisted investigators and said detectives are preparing criminal warrants for adults and juvenile petitions for juveniles involved in the incident. More details, including charges and arrest information, are expected once arrests have been completed. The sheriff's statement is provided below:
Thank you to everyone who called and came forward today with information regarding the disturbing video that was posted on social media this morning.
As a result of the information received and the efforts of our investigators, all individuals involved in this incident have been identified. Detectives with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office are currently preparing criminal warrants for the adults involved and juvenile petitions for the juveniles involved.
Everyone who participated in this assault will be held accountable and charged accordingly.
We appreciate the public’s assistance and cooperation during this investigation. Additional updates, including arrest information and specific charges, will be released once the arrests have been made.
Sheriff Jackie Rogers
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office
