Issiah Ross Trial: Man accused of killing NC teens Lyric Woods, Devin Clark: Live Updates

ByCindy Bae and ABC11 Digital Team WTVD logo
Last updated: Friday, January 23, 2026 10:10PM GMT
Week 2 of Issiah Ross murder trial ends with no verdict

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The murder trial of Issiah Ross is back in session on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The trial started on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and has moved rapidly.

Ross is charged in the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark in Orange County. He is accused of murdering the two teens in September 2022. He was 17 when he allegedly committed the crime; however, he is being tried as an adult.

He has pleaded not guilty. Ross rejected a plea bargain offer on Monday, Jan. 12.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Ross took the stand and testified in his own defense.

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Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

Just started watching, here's week 1 blog to catch you up.

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Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Key witness testifies about moment Issiah Ross confessed to him

Christian Sykes takes the stand and testifies that described to him what happened when he shot Devin Clark and Lyric Woods.

Sykes said he knew Ross but had only known him "for six months."

Sykes: "They wrestled for the gun, and I don't remember exactly if he said the gun went off, but I do know he said that he shot them and dumped the bodies."

Sykes then testifies that Issiah told him that Devin was pointing a gun at Issiah, and after the third time, Issiah told Devin to stop, and they wrestled for the gun.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

Just started watching, here's week 1 blog to catch you up.

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Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Judge denies motion to restrict videotaping, streaming of key witness

Before the hearings resumed and jurors were brought back in, the state asked if Christian Sykes' testimony could be restricted from live streams and videotaping.

The judge denied the motion.

Who is Christian Sykes?

Christian Sykes is the man who allegedly reported to law enforcement in 2022 that Issiah Ross confessed to him that he had killed Lyric Woods and Devin Clarks.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

Just started watching, here's week 1 blog to catch you up.

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Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Court takes break until 2p Tuesday

The Issiah Ross murder trial is in recess until 2 p.m.

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Just started watching, here's week 1 blog to catch you up.

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Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Sgt. Godwin testifies about GMC Terrain investigation

Sgt. Goodwin gives new details about the GMC Terrain that was investigated after the teens' bodies were found.

Once the prosecution finishes its witness list, the defense will begin to make its case.

He says evidence indicated front-end damage and there were suspected blood spots.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

Just started watching, here's week 1 blog to catch you up.