Lyric Isabella Woods, a 14-year-old girl from Mebane, North Carolina, tragically passed away on September 18, 2022. Lyric was known for her love of life, volleyball, and her infectious sense of humor. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, whose laughter and presence could brighten any room. Her sudden and untimely death left her family and community in deep mourning.
The circumstances surrounding Lyric Woods' death were both shocking and heartbreaking.
On the night of September 16, 2022, Lyric was last seen by her family before she went missing. Her body was discovered two days later, on September 18, 2022, alongside the body of 18-year-old Devin Clark, in a rural area off the side of the road in Orange County, North Carolina. Both teenagers had been shot multiple times, and their bodies were found by two ATV riders who immediately reported the gruesome discovery to the authorities.
The investigation into the deaths of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark led to the arrest of Issiah Mehki Ross, a 17-year-old male who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. According to the Orange County Assistant District Attorney, Ross shot Lyric Woods and Devin Clark as they were running away from him, indicating that the teenagers were executed. The preliminary autopsy revealed that Lyric Woods was shot at least four times, including twice in the back, once in the arm, and once in the neck from close range. Devin Clark was shot at least five times, including three times in the back, once in the foot, and once in the back of the head.
The case against Issiah Mehki Ross progressed through the legal system, with Ross being charged as an adult due to the severity of the crime. The court proceedings revealed that Ross had told a friend about the murders, which ultimately led to his arrest. The evidence presented in court included the details of the autopsy and the nature of the shooting, which highlighted the heinousness of the crime. The judge denied Ross's request for bond, citing the significant evidence connecting him to the murders and the risk of flight.
Lyric Woods' family and friends continue to grieve her loss, remembering her as a kind-hearted and tender-hearted young girl who trusted wholeheartedly and brought joy to those around her. The community remains united in their pursuit of justice for Lyric and Devin, with the hope that the legal process will bring some measure of closure to this tragic and senseless loss.
