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A jury found Dorian Thomas not guilty of murder. He was accused of shooting Emily Steinhoff in a custody battle.

Johnston County man found not guilty of murder of his child's aunt in custody dispute

<p>HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE REST OF YOUR FRIDAY EVENING. COMING UP. &gt;&gt; CLOSING ARGUMENTS HAVE STARTED IN THE MURDER TRIAL OF THE MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING HIS DAUGHTER'S AUNT. DORIAN THOMAS COULD LEARN TODAY IF HE'S CONVICTED IN THE DEATH OF EMILY STEINHOFF WRAL'S. NOAH KLEIN IS HERE NOW WITH WHAT THE JURY'S OPTIONS WILL BE IN THIS KNOW, JEFF, THE JURORS GONNA HAVE TO DECIDE ON 5 THINGS OR YOU'VE GOT FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, SECOND-DEGREE MURDER, THEN YOU'VE GOT VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER. FIRST, INVOLUNTARY. THEN FINALLY HE COULD BE NOT GUILTY HERE. EMILY STEINHOFF WENT WITH HER SISTER HILLARY LOMBARDI TO PICK UP THE CHILD THAT LOMBARDI SHARED WITH THOMAS. THAT'S WHEN STEINHOFF WAS KILLED. THE STATE HERE ARGUING THOMAS MEANT TO PULL THE TRIGGER THAT DAY. THE DEFENSE SINCE THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT, THE STATE SPOKE TO THE JURY FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES THIS MORNING. EMPHASIZING THOMAS MEANT TO SHOOT TO KILL OUTSIDE THAT HOME. THEY BELIEVE THAT WHILE STEINHOFF WASN'T THE TARGET HERE, THEY STILL SAY HE HAD INTENT TO KILL THAT DAY. PROSECUTORS MEANWHILE, ARGUE HE WANTED TO HAVE CUSTODY OF HIS 14 MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER BEFORE HEARING THE NEXT DAY OVER THAT CUSTODY BATTLE. WHEN DEFENSE. &gt;&gt; A LOT OF THAT. IT IS OUR. A VOW RIGHT IN THERE WAS IT FOR ALL? &gt;&gt; HERE, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY THERE. LET'S TAKE YOU THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS CASE. THE DEFENSE SAYS THE SHOOTING WAS NOT INTENTIONAL OR PREMEDITATED. INSTEAD, IT WAS AN ACCIDENT WHEN LOMBARDI AND THOMAS GOT INTO SOME SORT OF PHYSICAL CONFRONTATION. HIS DEFENSE TEAM ARGUES THOMAS HAD A GUN ON HIM BECAUSE HE FELT THREATENED BY HIS ACTS. THOMAS, SPECIFICALLY MENTION LOMBARDI HAD CONNECTION TO THE HELLS ANGELS AND WAS CONCERNED THEY COULD KILL HIM. &gt;&gt; SHOULD GO. BRUTAL WARDEN THAT THAT ONE &gt;&gt; AS FOR WHAT'S NEXT YEAR, IF CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, THOMAS COULD FACE LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE CONVICTION ON A LESSER CHARGE LIKE THAT VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER COULD MEAN A SENTENCE AS SHORT AS 24 MONTHS. JURY DELIBERATIONS SET TO PICK UP LATER TODAY. WE ARE LIVE STREAMING PART OF THE TRIAL</p>

Jury finds Dorian Thomas not guilty in murder trial

Dorian Thomas was apologetic in his on-camera interview with WRAL News outside of the courthouse. 

Warm and muggy to end the workweek, weekend trending drier

Temperatures for Friday, April 25

19 charged in Durham street takeover, police need help identifying others involved

Durham police have announced charges against 19 people connected to a February car club meetup in downtown where participants were seen performing dangerous stunts, including setting a fire in the street.

What happens next after online allegations involving Shaw University women's basketball team?

Shaw University

Live Blog: New Jersey comes out strong, Nico Hischier gives Devils 1-0 lead after 1st

Devils_Hurricanes_Hockey_96190

Immigration status of five UNC Chapel Hill students restored after federal policy reversal

UNC Chapel Hill Old Well

Cost vs. care: NC bill renews debate over certificate of need laws

New bill renews debate over North Carolina certificate of need laws. Photo courtesy of Martha Dominguez de Gouveia, Unsplash

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

People in the town of Apex are grieving the death of Samantha Mele, a 17-year-old Apex High School student who passed away in a car crash.

Community mourns loss of Apex High School student killed in car crash

Samantha Mele's funeral was held Friday morning. She was 17 years old.

The eight people charged are accused of fraudulently using an elderly person's personal information to open credit cards and pay various bills.

Fraud operation leads to 180-plus felony charges against 8 people in Chatham County

Court, gavel, court records, judge

Authorities found a gun Thursday inside a classroom at Vance County Middle School. Vance County deputies detained a juvenile for further investigation.

Gun found inside Vance County Middle School classroom, juvenile detained

Police car, blue lights

Despite the halted federal investigation, affected people and leaders like Gov. Josh Stein are expressing their intent to seek alternative avenues for investigation.

225 people with cancer and no investigation: A look at where things stand with NC State's Poe Hall

Poe Hall at NC State

NEW YORK (AP) â Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to a federal murder charge in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors formally declared their intent to seek the death penalty, and the judge warned Justice Department officials to refrain from making public comments that could spoil his right to a fair trial.

Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to federal death penalty charge in UnitedHealthcare CEOâs killing

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) â The U.S. government is reversing the termination of legal status for international students around the country after many filed court challenges against the Trump administration crackdown, federal officials said Friday.

ICE is reversing the termination of legal status for international students around the US

Education_International_Students_83962

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has the details about new restaurants opening in the Triangle.


Foodie News: Pizza, tacos and festivals

Open sign broad hanging on wood door front of cafe.

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) â Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos was sentenced Friday to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he learned his punishment for the crimes that led to his expulsion from Congress.

Ex-US Rep. George Santos sentenced to over 7 years in prison for fraud and identity theft

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Shaw University released a statement on Thursday saying it was aware of online allegations. It comes after Shaw University basketball player Kiara Shepherd posted a TikTok video detailing issues she experienced while a member of the Lady Bears.

Shaw University 'aware of' online allegations involving women's basketball team

Mourners will bid a final farewell to Pope Francis on Saturday during his funeral Mass, which is expected to draw international leaders as well as cardinals, archbishops and priests from around the world to the Vatican. The rites will be broadcast by news networks around the globe.

How to watch the funeral of Pope Francis

Pope Francis funeral

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Venus and Saturn will be just above the Moon before sunrise Friday, but won't match the perfect smiling face look in social media claims.

The moon won't quite be smiling: Here's how reality compares to the social meme

Apr 25, 2025 "lunar smile" reality vs fiction

Immigration is one of the most divisive and deeply personal issues facing North Carolina today. This WRAL Documentary takes viewers inside the debate from emotional family separations to high-profile crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.  

Watch the full documentary: Crossing Borders: Immigration and Division in North Carolina

Crossing Borders

A look at WRAL's coverage of Pope Francis through the years.

Video: Look back at Pope Francis' life, TED Talk and outspoken moments

Vatican_Obit_Pope_Francis_81541

Protecting the environment is as simple as making small, sustainable changes that add up -- especially if you do them each day, and other people join in.

Protect the planet: 10 simple ways to help the environment in your daily life

Bar soap

Looking for a list of the best indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks in the Raleigh area? Here's a list of more than 30 popular spots.



30+ trampoline parks and indoor playgrounds in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Clayton

Raleigh indoor playgrounds trampoline parks

The process of picking a new pope is steeped in secrecy and tradition.

After the pope dies: Here's how the Catholic Church will mourn, name a new pope

Vatican_Pope_Francis_Obit_Contenders_12017

Don't Miss It

Families flock to the NC State fairgrounds in Raleigh for the 34th annual NC International Auto Expo. One thing on many of their minds, the concerns of prices before tariffs drive up prices.  Experts say now is the time to get a new ride if they are able to do so. 

Car buyers trying to get ahead of tariff price hikes 

In Depth with Dan: Examining the types of skills needed for modern manufacturing jobs

New bill renews debate over North Carolina certificate of need laws

Durham police charge 19 people for street take over, seek help identifying others

What happens next after Shaw University misconduct allegations?

Durham school hosts Strawberry Festival

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | April 25

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WRAL Noon News | April 25

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Saint Augustine's University chair asks SBI to investigate mishandling of COVID relief funds

Local News

St. Andrews University in Laurinburg to close after spring semester

State committee to share findings, updates on Helene recovery in western NC

'Suspicious device' found near entrance to Fort Bragg, authorities say

Harnett Co. health board recommends keeping fluoride in water, final decision expected Tuesday

About 250,000 mourners pay last respects to Pope Francis over 3 days of public viewing

Nation/World

Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in disputed Kashmir

Most Americans expect higher prices as a result of Trump's tariffs, a new AP-NORC poll finds

Wall Street's rally roars into a 3rd day as companies' profits keep piling up, for now at least

Get ready for a weekend packed with fun and festivities across the Triangle.

Weekend best bets: Brewgaloo, Dogwood Festival, Spring Daze and more festivals

Fayetteville's Dogwood Festival will return in 2021

The Soccer Tournament returns: Wrexham, top women's players in field for $1 million prize

TST 2025 top players

Oakwood Pizza Box to open carry-out only location in Raleigh

Oakwood Pizza Box

Gardening guide: The best plants to add to your garden (and when) in North Carolina

Springtime color paints WRAL Azalea Gardens

WRAL Azalea Gardens expansion opens to the public

WRAL Azalea Gardens bridge expansion

Out & About

Fact check: Is male college attainment hitting record lows in the U.S.?

Politifact

Fact check: Did Trump reject Helene relief for North Carolina?

Explainer: Why is the bond market so important for the economy?

Fact check: Walz says most Americans don't have $1,000 in savings

Fact check: Trump says China 'made $1 trillion' off trade with US

Chemours and PAC donations to Republican lawmakers raise concerns in PFAS-hit communities

NC Capitol

National Democrats to boost investment in NC organizing ahead of 2026 midterms

US election officials question agency about Trump's order overhauling election operations

Republican NC lawmakers violated constitution in effort to strip election powers from Democratic governor, court rules

Federal court temporarily blocks NC from taking steps to throw out ballots in Griffin-Riggs lawsuit

Proposed Durham Public Schools budget includes teacher, bus driver supplements

Education

Beloved Raleigh business closes doors after 34 years 

Largest parent and teacher store in the Triangle soon to close, shifts focus online 

Durham schools budget vote: Superintendent proposes teacher raises, asks county for more money

New gun safety program 'NC Safe for Schools' kicks off

'We are going to charge you': Durham police crack down on car meetups with guns, drugs and stunts

WRAL In Depth

Student loans in default will be sent for collection. Here's what to know for borrowers

Tackling tariffs: What some companies are saying, and doing, about tariffs

What is an emergency? Wake school board is open to interpretations in new cellphone policy

Increase in calls for vape store, CBD regulation as middle schoolers show up for class impaired

Shedeur Sanders snubbed in NFL draft's Round 1 but leads list of top available players for Day 2

WRALSportsFan

NFL Draft: Panthers draft DE Nic Scourton to pair with WR Tetairoa McMillan

College basketball transfer portal tracker: NC State lands transfers from Houston, Butler, Florida State

NFL Draft: Chargers pick North Carolina's Hampton in first round

NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons draft Salisbury alum Jalon Walker

By the Numbers: The top returning rushers in 5A

HighSchoolOT

Playoff brackets set for dual-team boys tennis state championships

By the Numbers: The top returning quarterbacks in 5A

Stevens: Omarion Hampton was one of the high school players who you knew had 'it'

James Pearce of Chambers drafted by Atlanta Falcons; joins Salisbury's Walker

Durham police have asked for the public's help identifying some of the people believed to be involved in what they're calling a street takeover in February. Photos courtesy of the Durham Police Department.

Durham police ask for help identifying people from February street takeover

President Donald Trump said he wants to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and said tariffs can help make that happen.

In Depth with Dan: Examining President Trump's claim of wanting to bring manufacturing back to US

A February car meetup in downtown Durham involved participants performing dangerous stunts with fire and passengers hanging out of moving vehicles.

Durham police cracking down on dangerous car meetups

Raw video shows Durham car meetup with guns, drugs, fire and stunts

Eddie Jones, a regular Costco shopper from Cary, faced a frustrating situation when $618 in cash-back rewards from his Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi vanished after a failed direct deposit attempt. Despite multiple calls to Citibank, the funds were mistakenly sent to an unknown Wells Fargo account. 

5 On Your Side recovers missing $618 in credit cash rewards

The WRAL Documentary team set out to explore how the national debate over immigration is playing out in communities across North Carolina. 


Exploring immigration's impact in North Carolina: WRAL's 'Crossing Borders' Documentary

WRAL Specialists

BBB study explains how scammers are using AI tools

Choose a college major that will pay off

Dark web scammers use AI to amplify identity theft; BBB report warns

Coach's hack of student-athlete personal photos has potential victims in NC

5 On Your Side

4 people dead, 3 others injured in Rockingham County crash, troopers say

Effort to regulate vape shops gains steam after students get high

WRAL Investigates the timeline of Fayetteville mother's murder trial

Attorneys question restrictions on North Carolina Central University protests

Investigations

You decide: Who controls the Federal Reserve

Join NC's startup revolution: Apex hosts Small Business Town Hall on April 29

Donald Thompson: Wellness programs aren't enough. Leaders must prevent stress before it starts

Tom Snyder: Deep tech investment is transforming North Carolina's economy

WRAL TechWire

A tuition-free school created by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan will shutter next year

Big Tech carries Wall Street to the close of its winning, roller-coaster week

For the first time in about 50 years, Jersey Mikeâs has a new CEO

Google's parent begins year with robust growth despite legal, competitive and economic threats

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

These 6 scenic drives will take you to North Carolina's most incredible places

Family

Wake schools unveils new gun safety program 'NC Safe for Schools'

The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Marbles

Parent Safety Night: Gun storage, dangers of social media among topics at Wake schools safety fair

Walmart Deals: Heavy Duty 4 Shelf Metal Shelving Unit only $39.99 (reg. $109.99), Car Battery Jump Starter only $31.34 (reg. $89) PLUS Walmart+ Week starts April 28

SmartShopper

Amazon deals: Hanes Men's Polo Shirt only $5.99 (68% off!), Armor All Multi Purpose Car Spray only $4 (61% off), Lee Men's Cargo Shorts only $15 (57% off), Gorilla Grip Can Opener only $7.98 (60% off)

Sam's Club 12-Month Membership only $20 (60% off) through April 29

List of National Pretzel Day 2025 freebies on April 26

Top grocery deals valid April 23-29 

Tar Heel Traveler: Bluebirds and wildlife

Tar Heel Traveler: National Mustang Day

Tar Heel Traveler

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