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The family said that Preston Baker and the girl exchanged nude photos, and then she met him in her neighborhood before he drove her to the coast. Authorities say, in that time, he raped her.

Attorney says man charged with kidnapping, rape, was in relationship with Durham girl posing as college student

FIRE AT THIS POINT. THE DRIVER AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH SERIOUS BURNS. NEW NOW AT 4 O'CLOCK. A 22 YEAR-OLD IS IN JAIL ON MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS. BOND ACCUSED. >> A TERRIBLE CRIME OF KIDNAPPING AND A 12 YEAR-OLD GIRL ISSUES. PRESTON BAKER, HE WAS ARRESTED DURING A TRAFFIC STOP ON I-40 RIGHT NEAR JONES SAUSAGE ROAD. APPARENTLY POLICE SAYING THE 12 YEAR-OLD WAS IN HIS TRUCK AT THE TIME WRAL'S CHELSEA DONOVAN WAS IN COURT WHEN BAKER MADE HIS FIRST APPEARANCE THIS AFTERNOON. A LOT OF NEWS ON NEW DETAILS OR SHOULD SAY COMING OUT IN COURT AND YOU SPOKE TO THE YOUNG GIRL'S FAMILY TODAY. >> WE SHOULD MENTION THAT THE FAMILY ADMITS THAT THIS YOUNG GIRL MET BAKER ON DISCORD. THAT'S A GAMING APP AND THE 2 OF THEM WERE EXCHANGING NUDE PHOTO. SHE AGREED TO MEET WITH HIM IN HER NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT HE THEN TOOK HER AGAINST HER WILL, ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES AND DROVE FOR ALL THE WAY TO THE COAST. AND THAT'S WHEN AUTHORITIES SAY HE RAPED HER AND ADMITTING TO DOING SO. BUT BANKERS, ATTORNEY LEE TURNER SAYS THIS WAS ACTUALLY A RELATIONSHIP AND THAT 12 YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS POSING AS A 19 YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STUDENT AS THE SEA AT ECU RATHER. NOW THIS ALL HAPPENED ON SATURDAY. THIS IS A PHOTO OF BAKER STRUCK WHEN IT WAS STOPPED ON I-40 THE FAMILY OF THE GIRL SAID THE TRACKING APP LIFE 3.60, AND THE FACT THAT SHE TEXTED 9-1-1, INSIDE THAT CAR LED AUTHORITIES TO FINDING THEM. NOW THE STATE SAYS BAKER ADMITTED TO SEXUALLY ASSAULTING THE GIRL. SHE WAS TAKEN TO WAKE MED AFTER SHE WAS LOCATED WHERE A ASSAULT KIT WAS PERFORMED. BAKER WAS ARRESTED WITH AND CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING IN STATUTORY OFFENSE IS WITH A JUVENILE UNDER THE AGE OF 13, THE BAKERS ATTORNEY SAID THIS WASN'T A RANDOM ACT, BUT THE 12 YEAR-OLD HAD BEEN POSING AS 19 AND ECU STUDENT EVEN MEETING WITH BAKER'S FAMILY OVER EASTERN. NOW I SPOKE WITH THE VICTIM'S FATHER AND THE AND AFTER COURT. THEY ARE STUNNED WITH THESE ALLEGATIONS. SHE REPORTED. >> TO US AND THE POLICE THAT SHE TRIED TO STOP HIM FROM SEXUALLY ASSAULTING HER AND THAT HE FORCED HIMSELF ON HER AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO GO >> AND OBVIOUSLY WE'RE NOT IDENTIFYING THE VICTIM IN THIS CASE BECAUSE SHE IS A JUVENILE UNDER THE AGE OR UNDER THE AGE OF PRESTON, BAKER WAS GIVEN A 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR BOND. IF YOU WERE TO BOND OUT.

Preston Baker appears in court virtually from prison

Man appears in court for kidnapping, rape of 12-year-old Durham girl

Thunderstorms possible Tuesday as summer-like heat continues

There is a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Tuesday for parts of central North Carolina, including all of the Triangle. Storms are possible from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.

Good Samaritan killed while trying to help carjacking victim in Lumberton

Jonathan Lecompte

'You have more fun in red': NC State men's, women's teams' Final Four runs celebrated Monday night

NC State Final Four celebration at the Belltower

Body discovered on Monday in Goldsboro, police say; fourth since Friday

Bodies found in Goldsboro

Donald Trump to hold rally in Wilmington, first NC stop since his court appearance on Monday

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NC immigrants tout contributions, hoping to head off ICE detainer bill

Immigrant workers highlight tax contributions to North Carolina

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Officials said a 600-gallon tank of chlorine leaked at Pool Specialists on J Richard Drive.

Person hospitalized after chlorine exposure at Raleigh pool cleaning facility

1 exposed to chlorine at Raleigh pool maintenance facility

Consumer Reports tests dozens of sunscreens every year to determine which ones provide the best protection against sunburn and skin cancer. 

Revealing the best sunscreens for sun protection and affordability

What the different terms on sunscreen bottles mean 

Investigators said siblings Raven Bynum and Aaron Robinson had argued Saturday night over the sale of the home. Robinson used lighter fluid to set the home on fire while other family members were in bed, according to a release. 

Sheriff: Man charged after setting fire to Harnett County home while family was sleeping

Man charged with attempted murder, arson

Compared to pre-pandemic prices, ground beef is up 35%, chips are up 45%, bread is up 57% and a 12-ounce can of soda is up 66%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks trends on common grocery store items.

WRAL Investigates: 'Greedflation' and other drivers behind inflation at the grocery store

A look at inflation at the grocery store

Six students and a bus driver were involved in an accident on an overturned bus on Monday morning.

School bus overturns with 6 students on board in Harnett County

Six students, driver okay after school bus overturns in Harnett County

Groups of pro-Palestinian protesters closed down a span of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and blocked an entrance to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Monday.

Nationwide protests: Pro-Palestinian protesters close Golden Gate Bridge, block entrance to O'Hare Airport 

Golden Gate Bridge blocked by pro-Palestinian protesters 

The Bodie Island Lighthouse, recognized by its unique horizontal black and white stripes, will open for climbing this year beginning Friday, April 19.

Over 150 years old: Historic Bodie Island Lighthouse opens for climbing this weekend

Students from nine universities met in Charlotte before the start of this school year to come up with a game plan. More than six months later, The Mental Health Collaborative was officially released.

Mental health collaborative aims to help students on NC campuses through their issues

Mental health collabrative at NC system colleges and universities

Only nine states currently requirement students graduating in 2024 to take a standalone personal finance class, according to researchers. North Carolina is one of them. 

NC among few states requiring personal finance classes

Personal Finance

NC State police found two handguns, three rifles, a shotgun and 862 rounds of ammunition inside the car driven by Demetrius Morrison.

NC State police arrest man impersonating police officer with guns, 826 rounds of ammunition

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SPCA Wake hopes the pajama-themed adoption promotion will help dogs find homes and open up more room. 

SPCA Wake launches 'Dogs in Duckie Pajamas' promotion to increase adoptions

Every year on Tax Day, many restaurants and retailers offer freebies, coupons and discounts. Read on for the list of offers valid on April 15.

Tax Day 2024 freebies and deals on April 15

Krispy Kreme Tax Day Image courtesy Krispy Kreme 2024

The season of dogwood blooms and redbud bursts; of blustery thunderstorms giving way to shy sunshine; of birdsong, singing creeks, and potbellied pigs outside microbreweries --wait, what?!

Go Ask Dad: Louie, Louie

Newborn piglet on spring green grass

NEW YORK (AP) â For many people, tax season isn't only about gathering W-2 forms or calling an accountant. It can also bring intense feelings of stress or anxiety about dealing with finances.

Here's how to reduce stress and get your taxes done

Financial_Wellness_Tax_Season_Mental_Health_29068

Sherry Foster, London Deven's biological mother, said she's praying that one of the sets of remains does not belong to her daughter, who she hasn't seen in over a decade and didn't learn about her disappearance until Thursday, April 4.

'I thought she didn't want to see me': Missing Fayetteville woman's mother prays remains are not her daughter's

London Deven, 2011

Check out these restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Raleigh!

The best outdoor dining spots in Raleigh

Raleigh Times Bar

Don't Miss It

Fewer than half of the states in the country require high schoolers to take a personal finance class to graduate. North Carolina is one that does. WRAL's Ali Ingersoll looks at why more states are making this a requirement.

Good Samaritan killed trying to help carjacking victim

Tar Heel Traveler: Titanic post office

Tar Heel Traveler: 

Guns, ammo found in car of man charged with impersonating police officer

Hazmat situation at Raleigh pool supply warehouse, one person exposed

Bomb threat targeting Durham County Library under investigation

Video Central

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Police: SC man arrested, charged with stabbing mother to death

Local News

DuPont and Chemours violated human rights in North Carolina, UN says

ESPN planning to make '30 for 30' documentary on Stuart Scott

Wake County allocates $7.5M in funding to address opioid crisis

Appalachian State University chancellor to resign due to 'health challenges'

Owners of a Colorado funeral home where 190 decaying bodies were found are charged with COVID fraud

Nation/World

A 9-year-old boy's dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance's story online

Trump Media stock slides again to bring it more than 66% below its peak as euphoria fades

Ship that caused bridge collapse had apparent electrical issues while still docked, AP source says

Trump's historic hush money trial gets underway; 1st day ends without any jurors being picked

Triangle residents who are fans of thrills and themed attractions don't have to travel far to experience some of the best.

Guide: Amusement parks within driving distance of Raleigh

New Carowinds rollercoaster nears opening date

From history to happy hour: Your weekend guide to Greensboro

A weekend guide to Greensboro

Savannah Bananas play ball with the Miracle League

Savannah Bananas and the Miracle League of the Triangle

Strawberry picking near me: List of Triangle area u-pick strawberry farmsð

Strawberry picking near me

Clayton's century-old town hall will be transformed by 2026

Out & About

Fact check: Has crime 'skyrocketed' under President Biden?

Politifact

Fact check: Has Biden deported more people in nine months than in past years? 

Fact check: Would RFK Jr.'s running mate be the youngest vice president ever?

Fact check: Trump says native-born Americans lost nearly 1 million jobs 'in February alone'

Fact check: Biden says Trump told Americans to inject bleach to treat COVID-19

NC Capitol

In local congressional runoff, Republicans Daughtry and Knott fight over Democratic ties

In Triangle-area congressional runoff, Republicans Daughtry and Knott fight over Democratic ties

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending April 11

First lady Jill Biden to visit North Carolina Monday

Robotics team in Fuquay-Varina and Cary head to national competition

Education

NC A&T University investigating shots fired inside Barbee Hall

Shots fired inside residence hall at NC A&T; two charged

Teens learn defensive driving techniques at free training session

Brain Game playoffs: Jordan-Matthews High School vs Broughton High School

Make Room, Tennis, Pickleball and Squash. Here Comes Padel.

WRAL In Depth

An AP photographer explains how he captured the moment of eclipse totality

Duke Energy hoping emerging tech research benefits customers

Full interview: NC Gov. Roy Cooper talks legacy, future plans

Caleb Foster to return, says he's '1,000% committed to Duke' for 2024-25 season

WRALSportsFan

The Prince of Pittsboro: UNC commit Drake Powell's final season at Northwood High School 

Scottie Scheffler unstoppable and wins another Masters green jacket 

Seth Jarvis leads Hurricanes past Blackhawks 4-2 for 5th straight win

Chase Elliott ends 42-race winless streak with overtime victory in NASCAR Cup race at Texas

Northwest Guilford alum Liz Kitley selected in WNBA Draft

HighSchoolOT

The Prince of Pittsboro: UNC commit Drake Powell's final season at Northwood High School

Top returning NCHSAA football stat leaders in 2024: 2A Rushers

Vote Now: HSOT Honors winter sports finalists

Girls Soccer Rankings: Four teams join top 25, eight join area code top 15 poll

Consumer Reports' top-tested sunscreens

The United Nations declaration specifically calls out Chemours and parent company DuPont for contaminating drinking water with toxic chemicals called PFAS disregarding the rights and wellbeing of downstream residents.

UN says NC water pollution violates human rights

A partnership between Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission will bring clean drinking water to Gray's Creek Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School.

Clean drinking water will replace contaminated wells at Gray's Creek, Alderman Road elementary schools

US visits Fayetteville to announce first-ever limits on PFAs in drinking water 

Gray's Creek Elementary, Alderman Road Elementary schools to get clean drinking water

On Friday, select Chapel Hill High School students got to speak with Yuko Kishida, the wife of the Japanese prime minister.

Wife of Japanese prime minister visits class at Chapel Hill High School

About one-third of the students in the class are student-athletes, while there are also other influencers and some students interested in the business model. 


Duke students learn to build a brand around name, image, likeness

Duke University

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side Restaurant ratings for Mandolin and Taqueria Don Fily   

Consumer Reports investigation finds heavy metals, high sodium in Lunchables

On WRAL at 6: Your power bills are rising, but where's that money going?

Tips for preventing car thefts from Consumer Reports

5 On Your Side

WRAL Investigates why you're paying more at the store while profits for executives soar

'He is dangerous': Lawyers seek release of body cam footage involving Warrenton police sergeant accused of improper force

WRAL Investigates a $2 million payout from a local government after a police chase turned deadly.

City of Durham settles lawsuit over police chase

Investigations

Mike Walden: Amid multiple uncertainties, job creators just keep hiring

Guest column: Preparing students for the Triangleâs IT job market

Tom Snyder: Tiny code, human vulnerability put the world close to crippling cyber attack

NCInnovation kicks off grant selection for high-value university research

WRAL TechWire

Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets report

M&T Bank, Goldman Sachs rise; Salesforce, Tesla fall, Monday, 4/15/2024

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Family

Tax Day: Monday is deadline to file tax return, request extension

This weekend: Celebration of America's 250th birthday in Historic Halifax 

Hidden murals: Abandoned tobacco barns have secret artwork from decades ago

'I gave birth:' Bracelets at UNC Rex raise awareness of postpartum health conditions

Top Amazon deals: Wyze Home Security Camera only $19.98 (44% off), Fire TV Sticks starting at $19.99, Dingo Rawhide Twist Sticks 50 pk only $4 (73% off)

SmartShopper

Ben & Jerry's 2024 Free Cone Day is Tuesday, April 16

New Swagbucks Team Challenge April 15-21

Crocs offering EXTRA 30% off clearance shoes

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

Tar Heel Traveler: Stancil's Grill in Johnston County 

Tar Heel Traveler: Grain bin Airbnb

Tar Heel Traveler: Artistic quilter

Tar Heel Traveler: Solar eclipse photographer

Tar Heel Traveler Franklinville Diner in Randolph County

Tar Heel Traveler

Support local businesses, communities, non-profits through the Hometown Carolina store

Hometown Carolina

Hold Off On Tesla For Now, Vetr Crowd Says