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.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and updates on this trial.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

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

WTVD logo
Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Week 2 of Issiah Ross murder trial wraps

Week two of the Issiah Ross murder trial ends with no verdict. Jurors started deliberations late Thursday.

The jury continued deliberations on Friday for at least five hours before the court had to wrap up for the evening.

"There's no pressure," Judge Stephanie Reese said. "This is a really big decision you have to reach, and both parties want to make sure you don't feel any undue stress because of the weather."

The Orange County courthouse will be closed on Monday due to the weather. Judge Reese said jurors will be individually contacted when it's safe to come back.

"Sometime Monday you will get an email telling you whether the court will be open Tuesday morning ... if, for some reason, Tuesday doesn't work, the same thing will happen Tuesday about Wednesday," Judge Reese said.

Lyric Woods, left, and Devin Clark died from injuries caused by gunshot wounds.
Lyric Woods, left, and Devin Clark died from injuries caused by gunshot wounds.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and updates on this trial.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

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

WTVD logo
Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Court ends with no verdict, will pick up next week

Judge Reese tells the court we need to break for the evening.

She is going over the rules with the jury.

She lays out a plan going forward due to the incoming winter storm. The court will be closed on Monday, and Jurors will be notified when the court resumes.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and updates on this trial.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

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

Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Jury's note to judge contained 3 requests, here's how she responded

The judge is addressing the jury and going through the requests listed in the note.

There were 3 requests:

  • Transcript of Issiah Ross' testimony. Judge Reese denied the motion, saying, "That is not something that can be done quickly or efficiently."
  • The second request was for Officer Baldwin's report. His physical report was not entered into evidence, and the judge said it cannot be turned over to the jury at this time.
  • Jury asked for a photo of the road that shows placards 1-9, 18. That is state's exhibit 2 and will be turned over to the jury.

They are going to bring jurors, including alternates, back in at 5:10 to give instructions.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and updates on this trial.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

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

WTVD logo
Jan 28, 2026, 6:33 PM GMT

Issiah Ross, his attorneys and prosecutor return to courtroom

Issiah Ross, his attorneys, and prosecutors return to the courtroom around 4:30 p.m.

The bailiff gave the judge a note. She read it and called Ross's attorneys and the prosecutor to the bench for discussion surrounding the note.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and updates on this trial.

Follow the trial via ABC11 Live Blog.

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