It all started Saturday, October 25, 2025, when police discovered the burned body of 72-year-old Patricia Lopedote — Connelly’s grandmother — inside her Havelock home.

Investigators quickly ruled the case a homicide and arson. Detectives say the house had been intentionally set on fire, and Lopedote’s car was missing from the scene.

That vehicle was later found abandoned in New Bern on Pine Tree Drive near local baseball fields. Not long after, detectives identified Connelly as the prime suspect.

On Wednesday night, October 29, deputies were called to a Bojangles restaurant on Highway 43 in Vanceboro after someone spotted Connelly inside the restroom. When officers approached, authorities say Connelly stabbed a deputy in the leg and ran from the scene wearing all-dark clothing.

A statewide Blue Alert was immediately issued, warning the public that Connelly was armed and extremely dangerous.

He’s now wanted for:

• Murder

• First-degree arson

• Larceny of a motor vehicle

• Attempted first-degree murder

• Felony assault on law enforcement causing serious injury

• Resisting a public officer

Connelly is described as 5’5”, about 135 pounds, and was last seen running toward a nearby apartment complex.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal partners, have launched an all-out search using drones, K-9s, helicopters, and infrared cameras.

Due to the ongoing manhunt, Craven County Schools announced closures for the following schools on Thursday:

• Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary

• West Craven Middle School

• West Craven High School

All three campuses will operate under remote asynchronous learning on Friday, October 31, as the search continues.

Officials also canceled West Craven High’s “Eagles Fall Fest” event scheduled for Friday night, citing safety concerns for students and families.

Law enforcement has even warned residents to “lay low” during Halloween weekend, as Connelly may try to blend in or move through crowds disguised in costume.