Issiah Ross jury deadlocked after partial verdict in double murder trial involving Lyric Woods and Devin Clark
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — A jury deliberating the murder case against Issiah Ross remains deadlocked after reaching only a partial decision in a case that has drawn statewide attention.
Jurors told Superior Court Judge Stephanie Reese they had reached a unanimous verdict related to the death of Devin Clark, but were split 8–4 on the charge involving Lyric Woods. Because North Carolina law requires unanimity in criminal cases, the jury was dismissed for the day and ordered to return to court to continue deliberations.
Issiah Ross is charged in connection with the September 2022 shooting deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark, whose bodies were later found on a wooded trail off Buckhorn Road in Orange County. At the time of the shooting, Ross was 17 years old, though he is being tried as an adult.
Prosecutors allege Ross shot both teens during an encounter on the trail and argue the killings were not legally justified. Ross has pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal, choosing to take the case to trial.
The defense maintains Ross acted in self-defense, arguing he believed his life was in danger at the time of the shooting.
Testimony From the Victims’ Parents
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from family members of both victims, including their parents.
Lyric Woods’ mother testified about the final moments she shared with her daughter before she went missing, describing routine family interactions that became her last memories of Lyric. She also spoke about the emotional toll of learning her daughter had been killed and the lasting impact on their family.
Devin Clark’s father also took the stand, telling jurors about the moment he realized something was wrong when his son did not return home. He described the shock of learning Devin had been killed and the difficulty of coping with the sudden loss.
Their testimony focused on who Lyric and Devin were as individuals and the impact their deaths have had on their families.
The jury’s decision to reach a verdict on one count while remaining divided on the other suggests jurors are weighing each death separately, as instructed by the court.
Issiah Ross is charged with two counts of first-degree murder — one in the death of Woods and one in the death of Clark. Jury deliberations will continue Thursday.
