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The mother of Amarriah Smith, a college student killed in January 2024, is fighting for justice. It comes as the man charged with her daughter's death, Jordan Isaiah Thomas, faces court.

Mother of dead college student questions why murder suspect wasn't held accountable on prior charge

NEWS. THIS IS WRAL. >> RIGHT NOW AT FIVE-THIRTY JUST A DEVASTATING STORY. A NEWLY RELEASED AUTOPSY FOR THIS MURDERED COLLEGE STUDENT IS SO HORRIFIC. IT'S HARD TO READ NASH COUNTY, 19 YEAR-OLD MARIO SMITH. THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR. THANKS FOR JOINING US. I'M LENA TILLETT. >> AND I'M GERALD OWENS. THIS IS THE MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING HER JORDAN THOMAS. HE'S DUE IN COURT ON MONDAY. WRAL HAS LEARNED THAT HE WAS CHARGED IN ANOTHER SHOOTING YET THAT VICTIMS SAYS HE WAS NEVER HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE BUREAU SARAH KRUEGER SPOKE WITH SMITH'S MOTHER AND WHO WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT HER DAUGHTER GETS JUSTICE. >> ARIA SMITH'S SMILING FACE FILLS HER FAMILY HOME IN NASH COUNTY. HER MOTHER'S DAILY REMINDER OF WHAT SHE'S FIGHTING FOR IS ONE OF THE MOST CHARISMATIC SWEET NEWS. HOME. PEOPLE. IT WOULD HELP ME SMITH, A STUDENT AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY WAS BRUTALLY MURDERED IN JANUARY 2024, ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES BY JORDAN, THOMAS, A MAN ODOM SAYS OWNED A TATTOO SHOP NEAR CAMPUS WHEN SHE WAS ALLOWED. HE COULD SQUARE. HE'S TO ME EVERY DAY. SMITH AUTOPSY DESCRIBES HOW SHE WAS POSSIBLY SHOT AND SEVERELY BURNED HER REMAINS UNRECOGNIZABLE FOUND IN A BURN PIT. AND IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR, I WANT PEOPLE LOOK AT HER BEAUTIFUL FACE AND SAY. WOW HAPPENED TO HER. IT COULD HAPPEN TO ME. AND I WANT THEM TO BE CAUTIOUS. THOMAS WAS CHARGED IN 2020 WHICH SHOOTING ANOTHER WOMAN YET THE CHARGE WAS DISMISSED. WRAL ASKED THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WHY HE SAID THAT THE COURT RECORDS NO LONGER EXIST, BUT HE BELIEVES THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ACTS OF THE DEFENDANT WERE NOT INTENTIONAL. I SPOKE WITH THE VICTIM WHO DISPUTES THAT ODOM WISHES HE HAD BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE. STILL, SHE CARRIES ON HOPING HER DAUGHTER'S STORY CAN SAVE SOMEONE ELSE. IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO OUR FANS. INTO SUCH A SWEET CHILD AND IN THIS CAVITY INI IT CAN DARK IN WOULDN'T DOOR. SARAH KRUEGER WRAL NEWS SUCH A HORRIFIC CRIME IN YOUR HEART BREAKS FOR THAT MOTHER.

Mother demands accountability after college student is killed

Amarriah Smith

Valentine's Day weather a gift, but rain returns for weekend

Valentine's night temperatures 2025

Man pleads guilty to charges from 2022 shooting of Sampson County deputy

Michael Walthall, Jr.

NC State hiring freeze: Faculty, staff positions on hold amid federal budget uncertainty

North Carolina State University

NC auditor launches 'floor-to-ceiling' review of DMV, honoring campaign pledge

People line up at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Republican proposal would ban voter registration drives in NC

GOP voter registration sees major upswing in rural counties across NC

Granville Co. deputies suspended during investigation into excessive use of force, sheriff says

Police car crime scene night

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jillian Myers knows the devastation of losing a husband and feeling alone and empty, particularly on Valentine's Day.

Volunteers deliver gifts to widows on Valentine's Day. The project began in a florist's driveway

Valentines_Day_Widows_99921

In the wake of WRAL's eye-opening documentary, "Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina," state lawmakers are pledging urgent action to overhaul the troubled foster care system. 

North Carolina lawmakers push for child welfare reform after WRAL documentary 

The latest WRAL documentary, "Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina," premiered on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Lewis Moreland took home $143,501 after required state and federal tax withholdings.

Lee County man wins $200,000 scratch-off prize

Lottery tickets 

Nearly five months since Hurricane Helene ripped through western North Carolina, residents in Asheville are welcoming tourism back to the region.

'Ready to write the next chapter': Asheville wants tourists to be part of the comeback of town

Asheville skyline

Republican lawmakers have consistently cut the state's income tax rate since winning control 15 years ago. The rate dropped from 4.5% in 2024 to 4.25% in 2025. More rate cuts are scheduled if the state meets certain revenue thresholds.

New state budget forecast has Stein raising concerns over NC's ability to pay for Helene recovery, public schools

State budget

Durham police have filed 296 juvenile petitions against five teenagers in a series of motor vehicle break-ins in the city between late December 2024 and mid-January 2025.

296 charges against 5 teens in Durham car break-ins, 2 linked to highway patrol chase

Durham police car

The U.S. Department of Defense's new military moving program, managed by HomeSafe Alliance under the Global Household Goods Contract, is facing challenges as it begins to take over servicemember relocations.

1,000 complaints already for new military moving program

A file photo of moving trucks.

Keith Siegel, a Chapel Hill man held hostage by Hamas for 484 days, is telling his story on social media.

'Starved and tortured': Freed hostage Keith Siegel describes his captivity in Gaza

Israel_Hostage_Profiles_60297

NC DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has attempted to modernize the agency, but he has also faced criticism over long wait times and other problems. He still holds the position, the agency said Friday.

Help wanted at the DMV: NC posts job opening for commissioner to lead Division of Motor Vehicles

DMV office

The Army is planning an official ceremony but has yet to announce when it will be held.

Fort Bragg name returned to North Carolina Army base following Pentagon memo

Fort_Bragg_New_Namesake_33386

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Tax expert Turon Kendrick shares essential advice, emphasizing the importance of early but complete filing, ensuring all tax documents are ready, and staying informed about key changes like tax bracket thresholds. 

Ask a tax expert: A local tax expert shares the top 10 things to know in tax season

Taxes, tax forms, tax day, file taxes, IRS

Friday night on WRAL-TV, a Dateline episode unveils chilling details of the Susan Smith case and new insights into the shocking 1994 tragedy that stunned the nation.


Tonight on WRAL: Dateline episode revisits Susan Smith murder case from 30 years ago

Susan Smith faces parole board 30 years after drowning her children

Thinking about taking a ski trip this winter in North Carolina? Here's how Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain compare.

Beech Mountain vs. Sugar Mountain: Comparing NC's ski resorts

On Dec. 17, 2022, skiers and snowboarders prepare to go down the slopes at Beech Mountain.

Rising cocoa prices, driven by climate change, are reshaping Valentine's Day chocolates. Extreme heat and erratic rainfall in West Africa are reducing cocoa yields, leading to higher costs and recipe changes.

Why your Valentine's Day chocolate might cost more this year

Chocolate box

There are some lovely Valentine's Day offers this year for roses, floral bouquets, bonus gift card promotions, restaurant meals, retail deals and more! 

Valentine's Day deals 2025: Restaurants, flowers, gift card offers ð

Roses at store, Cary, NC

On Feb. 10, 2015, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha were shot and killed by their neighbor in what prosecutors called a hate crime against Muslims.

10 years ago, three Muslim students were murdered by their neighbor

Deah Barakat (left), Yusor Abu-Salha (middle) and Razan Abu-Salha (right)

Don't Miss It

It's been nearly five months since Helene hit western North Carolina. People were forced to rebuild their lives, and many are still working to do so. The area is heavily dependent on tourism and despite the devastation, many have found a way to rebound.

Asheville community comes together to 'Be Part of the Comeback'

Music gathering in Asheville

After WRAL documentary exposes failures in foster care, NC lawmakers promise change

New proposal would ban voter registration drives in NC

Black community still working toward health equity

Climate extremes drive up price of chocolate

Wilson County officials answer questions about immigration policy

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Farm fertilizer or toxic waste? The growing debate over biosolids

Local News

NC nonprofits filled with uncertainty amid federal funding delays

Riverside High School lockdown lifted after tip about student bringing weapon

148 pounds of crystal meth seized: Beaufort County deputies find meth hidden in pavers

Behind the petals: A florist's battle plan for Valentine's Day

Some people didn't know they had a bird flu infection, study of veterinarians suggests

Nation/World

Can suspending a cage-free egg law solve the soaring price problem? Nevada takes a crack at it

A look at Pope Francis' previous hospitalizations and health problems

Woman withdraws civil lawsuit against Jay-Z, Sean 'Diddy' Combs alleging she was raped at age 13

A drone pierced the outer shell of Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear plant. Radiation levels are normal

Omakase by Kai has officially opened its doors in downtown Raleigh. Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has the details in this week's foodie news.


Foodie News: New Japanese restaurant opens in downtown Raleigh

Open sign broad hanging on wood door front of cafe.

'Love Durham' campaign wants people to show their pride

Heart hands 

Valentine's Day deals 2025: Restaurants, flowers, gift card offers

Romantic escapes in North Carolina for a weekend getaway

The Chateau 

Weekend best bets: Valentine's Day events, Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart at DPAC

6 NC chocolate shops to check out

Out & About

Fact check: Is the State Department about to pay Tesla $400 million for Cybertrucks?

Politifact

Fact check: How much USAID funding goes to people in need?

Fact-checking Warren's claim about RFK Jr.'s work on vaccine lawsuits

Fact check: Did Trump's firing of aviation officials make the plane crash likelier? Doubtful, experts say

Fact check: Did JD Vance provide 'furnished apartments' for Helene victims?

Poll: Most in NC oppose shutting down US Department of Education

NC Capitol

After WRAL documentary 'Broken' exposes flaws in foster care system, NC lawmakers vow to make changes

As Trump threatened a primary, Tillis -- a GOP holdout on Hegseth -- flipped

NC lawmakers eye big changes to speed limits, DWI laws in newly filed bills

Meredith College poll shows North Carolinians divided on President Trump

In Schools, Trump's DEI Orders Are Open to Interpretation

Education

Educators demand county bond to fill school facility gaps

Wake schools eyeing potential impacts of new tariffs on HVAC, construction costs

How Wake County schools plan to roll out digital panic button

Lizard Lick Elementary? Wake school board weighs future east Wake school names

Black equity is Black history: The fight for healthcare is unfinished

WRAL In Depth

State board warns of people posing as dentists, performing work in sheds, garages and homes

Forever chemicals in sewage sludge: A growing contamination crisis

Her parents were injured in a Tesla crash. She ended up having to pay Tesla damages

Public records reveal Durham County district attorney comes to the office roughly half of work days 

With tears flowing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets another shot at the Daytona 500 as a team owner

WRALSportsFan

Cam Newton doubles down on saying Panthers had 'locker room of losers' prior to drafting him

Extra Effort Award: Ryan Freeman is a good athlete, better person for Clinton High School

Longtime Wolfpack Club board member gives $5M to endow NC State athletic director post

Six Tar Heels invited to NFL Combine, but not UNC's All-American guard

Meet this year's NCHSAA girls wrestling state qualifiers

HighSchoolOT

NCHSAA releases third draft of conferences for the 2025-29 realignment into 8A

No. 3 Lake Norman prepares for playoff push with win over No. 11 Bishop McGuinness

Every NCHSAA boys basketball playoff clinching scenario for this week

Lincolnton's L.J. Smith making the most of return from injury as his recruiting and record-scoring pace accelerate

Department of Defense officials address complaints about new moving program

The FBI warns it is getting an average of one report every day of what's known as financial "sextortion" - where criminals coax individuals into sharing explicit photos online, then threaten to disseminate the photos unless the sender pays them. 

'Happens in seconds:' FBI warns of rise in 'sextortion' targeting kids as young as seven

 WRAL Investigates

Critics fear the bill will pit patients and advocacy groups against one another. Supporters say North Carolina's medical costs are already sky-high and this will prevent health insurance from becoming even more expensive.

NC Senate votes to limit coverage requirements for health insurance companies

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners has seen a recent increase in unlicensed individuals posing as dental professionals, often advertising low-cost services on social media and performing procedures in unsanitary and unsafe locations.

State dental board warns of people posing as dentists

NC Senate votes to limit how many treatments health insurance companies can be required to cover

N.C. health, mental health, Medicaid generic

According to a commission report, the changes in 2023 cost about $6.37 million. It is unclear how much it will cost to change the name back to Fort Bragg. WRAL News spoke to Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin on Tuesday, who said he anticipates the change back to Fort Bragg will cost a similar amount.

Back to Fort Bragg: Here's how much it could cost to rename Fort Liberty

WRAL Specialists

Restaurant Ratings: Jimmy V's, Gov's Fusion Cantina

Lillington driver billed for toll route she never took

Toll scam: Lillington driver billed for toll road she never drove on

Start with a plan: Meal prep can help you save money, eat healthy

5 On Your Side

FBI warns of rise of 'sextortion' among youth

Keycard data reveals spotty attendance for Durham County DA

NC State students demand PCB testing on campus

NC State student government to vote on call for more PCB testing on campus

Investigations

Grace Ueng: A Valentineâs gift #HappinessHygiene plunge club

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores

Donald Thompson: How Lewis Hamiltonâs formula for success extends beyond the racetrack

Steve Rao: Wake County can lead the AI revolution

WRAL TechWire

Green Monkey, Raleigh's longest-standing LGBTQ business, closing after 12 years

RTI International layoffs hit NC due to US freeze on foreign aid

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Struck by Cupid's arrow: NICU babies dress up for Valentine's Day ð

Family

Find true love: SPCA of Wake County offers adoption special for Valentine's Day

Feel the speed at Apex Racing Lab

Happy Feet Planet offers family fun

US inflation heats up to 3% for first time since June

Amazon Deals:  Kindle Unlimited only $0.99 for 2 months, Gorilla Grip Compact Umbrella only $11.95 (52% off), Anker Portable Charger only $13.35 w/coupon, Books, games & movies BOGO50% off

SmartShopper

Walmart Deals: Portable car tire inflator only $17.98, Household Tool Kit 39 piece only $18.99, Portable 20000mAh Solar Power Bank only $17.95

Sam's Club 12-Month Membership only $20 (60% off)

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

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