Jan 16, 2026, 3:19 PM GMT
Trial in recess until Tuesday
Judge Stephanie Reese announced the trial is in recess until Tuesday, because of medical reasons for the defense attorney, Jonathan Trapp.
Trapp's wife is pregnant but is in labor early.
Live
Issiah Ross trial: Man accused of 2022 double homicide claims self-defense as case moves forward
Last updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 10:24AM GMT
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Nearly four years after the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark in Orange County, the man charged is being tried. The trial started on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after the jury and alternates were seated.
Issiah Ross, 21, is accused of murdering the two teens in September 2022. Ross was 17 when he allegedly committed the crime; however, he is being tried as an adult. He has pleaded not guilty and is claiming self-defense in the case.
After rejecting a plea bargain offer on Monday, Jan. 12.
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Motions that were granted on Monday include joining the charges into one trial, excluding witnesses from the courtroom with some exceptions, and Ross pleading that it was self-defense, although it was filed late, according to the prosecution.
New court filings show jurors may also hear from nine 'expert witnesses' that include an FBI special agent and a forensic scientist.
The judge said the trial could last two weeks.
Key Headlines
- Jan 17, 2026, 3:35 PM GMT
- Jan 16, 2026, 3:19 PM GMT
- Jan 16, 2026, 2:46 PM GMT
- Jan 16, 2026, 2:41 PM GMT
- Jan 15, 2026, 9:21 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 16, 2026, 2:46 PM GMT
Friday marks 3rd day of testimonies
Friday marks the third day of testimonies in the 2022 Orange County double murder trial.
Additional witnesses are expected to testify.
The court session begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be livestreamed on ABC11.com.
Jan 15, 2026, 9:21 PM GMT
Testimony wraps up, more witnesses to be called up Friday
Court is wrapping up for the day
No more witnesses will be called Thursday. The prosecution said it is more than two-thirds done with its witness list.
More testimony will be heard Friday. Court will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Jan 15, 2026, 8:14 PM GMT
Man who knows suspect, victim called to testify
Antwan Bryant has been called to testify. Bryant knows Issiah Ross and Devin Clark.
Bryant was in a relationship with Ross's mother before the deadly shooting.
Bryant explained in detail how Issiah's mom was "irate" about Issiah leaving the house and taking the car. Upon inspection of the car, Bryant said, "I did see some marks on the bumper," but didn't notice anything else.
