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On Wednesday night, a Raleigh woman, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, received threatening messages from someone alleging to be a member of a criminal organization.


Raleigh woman shaken after receiving messages demanding money, threatening dismemberment

<p>CHANCES FOR THE WEEKEND. WAKE UP WITH OUR MORNING NEWS. BEGINNING AT 04:30AM. &gt;&gt; NEW TONIGHT SHAKEN AND SCARED. A RALEIGH WOMAN IS SPEAKING OUT AFTER RECEIVING TEXT MESSAGES FROM SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE PART OF A CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION. THE MESSAGES SAY, QUOTE, I'M A HIT MAN. I HAVE STRICT ORDERS TO ELIMINATE RATS LIKE YOU AND ENDS WITH PAY OR WE ELIMINATE WHO THE BUREAU'S. REALLY. DAN LEE IS LIVE AT THE RALEIGH POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE SPEAKING WITH THE WOMAN WHO RECEIVED THOSE THREATENING MESSAGES WILLING. &gt;&gt; JERROLD, IMAGINE YOU'RE ENJOYING YOUR EVENING WITH FRIENDS AND YOU GET A TEXT MESSAGE THREATENING YOUR LIFE UNLESS YOU PAY UP THE WOMAN I SPOKE TO TONIGHT SAYS SHE HASN'T SLEPT SINCE. &gt;&gt; ON THE HIT MAN WHO MANAGES THIS OPERATION. I'VE STRICT ORDER TO ELIMINATE RATS LIKE YOU. THAT'S THE OPENING LINE. A RALEIGH WOMAN RECEIVED FROM AN UNKNOWN NUMBER SAYING THEY WERE A MEMBER OF A CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION. THE VICTIM CHOSE TO KEEP HER NAME AND IDENTITY ANONYMOUS OUT OF FEAR OF THE MESSAGES SHE RECEIVED ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. IT'S JUST BEEN IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD. &gt;&gt; I'M I'M STILL LIKES. VERY AWARE OF MY SURROUNDINGS. LOOKING AROUND LOCKING MY DOORS LIKE I STILL FEEL SCARED. THE CENTER USE PROFANE LANGUAGE AND THREATENED TO SEND MEN AFTER THE VICTIM. IF SHE DID NOT MAKE A DEAL. &gt;&gt; SHE THEN RECEIVED THESE PHOTOS, ONE SHOWING A PERSON HOLDING A GUN AND ANOTHER OF A DISMEMBERED BODY. SHE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE POLICE. THEY'VE RECEIVED MESSAGES LIKE &gt;&gt; BEFORE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMING IN WITH SIMILAR TEXT MESSAGES. SIMILAR PICTURES AND TO IGNORE IT, REPORT IT. I'M AND DON'T CLICK ON ANY LINKS. OFFICERS TOLD THE WOMAN THE SCAMMERS COULD BE LOCATED ANYWHERE. SOME OF THE TEXT MESSAGES ARE LOCAL. &gt;&gt; I'M BUT A LOT OF THEM ARE COMING FROM PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES LOOKING FOR MONEY. THE WAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RECOMMENED NOT RESPONDING TO QUESTIONABLE MESSAGES FROM STRANGERS. &gt;&gt; DON'T SEND ANY CASH IN THE MAIL AND DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE UNLESS YOU KNOW WHO IT IS. ON THE OTHER SIDE. &gt;&gt; WHEN YOU'RE SCARED, YOU FREEZE UP, YOU MAKE BAD DECISIONS. JUST TAKE A BREATH. GO TO THE POLICE RIGHT AWAY. THE VICTIM WE TALKED TO WANTS OTHERS TO BE AWARE AND DON'T HESITATE TO REPORT. &gt;&gt; THE FBI RECOMMENDED IF ANYONE RECEIVE SIMILAR TEXT MESSAGES REMAIN CALM, COLLECT AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE AND REACH OUT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. AS FAR AS THIS CASE, WE HAVE REACHED OUT TO RALEIGH. POLICE ARE WORKING TO LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT</p>

Photo from scam text message

Woman shaken after threatening text messages from alleged cartel

Woman dies, man charged with DWI from Clayton crash on US 70 Business

US 70 Business crash in Clayton

More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign

Duke University entrance

North Carolina GOP town hall gets rowdy as attendees hurl scathing questions on Trump

Republicans_Town_Hall_Edwards_81757

Mother 'jumped through hoops' to get answers about crash that killed son

Tyrone Mason

Pleasant Friday, Saturday precede WRAL Weather Alert Day on Sunday

High temperatures for Friday, March 14

FAA: 2 people on board plane that crashed near Pitt-Greenville Airport

Plane crash near Pitt-Greenville Airport

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Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has the latest restaurant news including details about Slice Pie Company's big move.


Foodie News: Slice Pie Company is on the move

Slice Pie Company

Two families alleged that Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh released their loved ones, who had mental health conditions, onto the streets without notifying them, resulting in homelessness and distress.

From Raleigh mental hospital to homelessness: Families say loved ones were put out on the streets

Holly Hill Children's Hospital in Raleigh has stopped accepting new child patients until further notice, following a recent investigation by state surveyors.

Javier Leiva, a Raleigh resident, has seen his true crime podcast "Pretend" skyrocket in popularity, reaching more than 5 million downloads in 2024 alone. Leiva's podcasts delve into the world of deception, covering con artists, cult leaders and even debunking claims made in the movie "Catch Me If You Can."

From 'Catch Me If You Can' to cult leaders: Raleigh man explores deception in true crime podcast

Javier Leiva started the "Pretend" podcast in 2017 as a hobby. Photo provided by Javier Leiva.

Duke star Cooper Flagg missed the entire second half of the Blue Devils' ACC Tournament victory against Georgia Tech. Flagg injured his left ankle late in the first half.

Flagg injures left ankle in Duke's ACC Tournament victory, 'long shot' to play Friday vs. UNC

Cooper Flagg is helped back to the locker room after injuring his ankle in the first half of Thursday's game against Georgia Tech.

The Tar Heels are on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament and in need of more wins.

North Carolina outlasts Wake Forest, advances to face Duke in ACC Tournament semifinal

ACC_North_Carolina_Wake_Forest_Basketball_61873

Every year on March 14 (3/14), Pi Day is celebrated by many restaurants with deals on dessert pies and pizza pies! Read on for the growing list of tasty offers for 2025. 

Pi Day 2025 deals on March 14

The Fresh Market Pies, Cary, NC

There was a large police presence in Raleigh early Thursday morning on South Saunders Street near Interstate 40.


Man arrested after 100-mph chase, crash in Raleigh at South Saunders Street near I-40 

Justin Rene Acosta-Castillo

WASHINGTON (AP) â The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.

Senate works to prevent a government shutdown as Democrats divide ahead of the midnight deadline

Congress_Budget_89773

NC State faces a significant housing shortage, with thousands of students unable to secure on-campus housing, forcing them to seek increasingly competitive and expensive off-campus options.

NC State faces housing crunch: Students struggle for fall 2025 accommodations amid growth

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A total lunar eclipse gave the moon a neat reddish hue on Friday morning.

Photos: Lunar eclipse showcases a 'blood moon'

Lunar Eclipse

Get your North Carolina lawn ready for spring by choosing the right grass type for your region and following proper mowing and watering techniques.

Spring into a lush lawn: Your North Carolina yard care guide

Lawn mower, mowing

Whether you're in the mood for music, shopping, food, camping, fitness or arts and crafts, festivals in NC offer something for all ages and interests.

2025 North Carolina Festivals guide: State Fair, BBQ and lots of music ahead this year

2025 North Carolina Festivals guide

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

The best outdoor dining spots in Raleigh

Raleigh Times Bar

The storm impacted North Carolina on March 13 after a low formed in the Gulf of Mexico on March 12. It raced to the northeast and brought wind, snow and even storm surge to our state.

The March 1993 storm of the century brought 50 inches of snow, 93 mph winds to NC

1993 Storm of the Century snowfall totals in NC

Don't Miss It

Mebane Mayor Ed Hooks says the Buc-ee's location off Trollingwood Hawfield Road could open by early 2027.

Mebane mayor: Buc-ee's could open by early 2027

Buc-ee's

Gas prices on downward trend entering spring

Sheetz rising gas prices

Protesters block Republican's motorcade in Asheville

Political protest in Asheville

Total lunar eclipse gives moon red tint

Lunar eclipse

'Jumpman Cheeto' resembles hoops icon Michael Jordan

'Jumpman' Cheeto

Body cam: Police rescue residents from burning home

Body cam footage: Police rescue

Video Central

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Local News

NC man charged with embezzling nearly $65K from youth mentoring nonprofit

Saint Augustine's alumni group meets following decision to deny school's accreditation appeal

Employee shot at Spring Lake Subway, woman charged

Cellphones, a statewide school bond: Stein's education proposals meet agreement, resistance

Hundreds of federal offices could begin closing this summer at DOGE's behest, AP reveals

Nation/World

Big March storm system threatens US with tornadoes, blizzards and wildfire risk

Columbia University says it expelled some students who seized building last year

Columbine victim's death from health problems related to 1999 school shooting ruled a homicide

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to partly allow birthright citizenship restrictions

Get ready for an exciting weekend in the Triangle with a lineup of events celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Pi Day, and a live performance by Lil Wayne.



Weekend best bets: St. Patrick's Day, Pi Day and Lil Wayne

St. Patrick's Day Parade Raleigh (March 16, 2019)

A Place at the Table founder named WRAL VCA Business Leader of the Year

Maggie Kane, founder of A Place At The Table has now moved operations outside during the coronavirus pandemic. 

WRAL Voters' Choice Awards: Gourmet milkshake bar honored as best new restaurant

The Yard Milkshake Bar wins major honor first year in business

St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to downtown Raleigh Saturday

7 famous restaurant chains with NC roots

Losing history: Things that changed forever in Raleigh in 2022

Out & About

Fact-checking President Donald Trump's address to joint session of Congress

Politifact

Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy's tense Oval Office meeting about Ukraine and Russia, fact-checked

Fact check: Would Tillis-backed bill raise your bank fees?

Fact check: Would SAVE Act disqualify voters who have changed their names?

Fact check: Mace says people 'either have XX or XY chromosomes'

Marshals probe alleged death threats against NC Supreme Court candidate Griffin 

NC Capitol

Asbestos removal at North Carolina legislature worries some state lawmakers

NC Senate passes bill to undo Duke Energy climate goal, change rules for raising rates

North Carolina's new governor seeks more Helene aid, help for families in legislative address

NC lawmakers says Apex employee left voicemails filled with swear words

Hunt for housing dire for NC State undergraduate students

Education

Some universities are freezing hiring and laying off staff as Trump cuts federal funding

Federal student loan site down Wednesday, a day after layoffs gutted Education Department

How US Department staff cuts impact NC students and families

Staff cuts: How US Department changes impact NC students and families

5 On Your Side helps clear Wake County mom's $126K medical bill

WRAL In Depth

Beware of this scam: NC won't send text about a toll bill

As NC's teacher pipeline dwindles, education colleges are getting creative

Dismantling DEI policies will hurt women in corporate America

NC superintendent: U.S. Department of Education 'critical' for schools

North Carolina vs. Duke: Can Tar Heels lock up NCAA bid? Can Blue Devils shine without Flagg?

WRALSportsFan

What Scheyer, Duke players said about Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown injuries

Schedule, matchups, tickets, TV & streaming info: NCHSAA basketball regional & state championships

Watauga's Kate Sears named Gatorade NC Player of the Year in girls basketball

March Madness: High Point student broadcasters' call of comeback goes viral

Harrison, Sharpe lead Reidsville back to 2A state finals, Bandys' playoff run ends

HighSchoolOT

North Wilkes takes out East Burke to advance to 2A girls basketball state championship game

HSOT Postgame Show: 2A basketball semifinals recap

Northwood returns to boys basketball state championship game after win over West Bladen

Southeast Alamance downs conference foe Seaforth to advance to first girls basketball championship game

Families claim Holly Hill Hospital put loved ones out of the streets

The EPA plans to roll back key environmental rules, including coal ash cleanup and climate protections, impacting NC's water and air. Critics warn it puts public health and climate action at risk.

EPA targets dozens of rules, rolls back environmental regulations

EPA rollbacks could threaten NC drinking water, climate protections

Water faucet

State Rep. Erin ParÃ© rejected an invitation from Apex officials to attend the town's legislative breakfast, citing profane voicemails and lewd emails purportedly sent by a town employee.

NC lawmaker rejects Apex's invitation after 'inappropriate' emails, profane voicemails from town employee

Advocates for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault say North Carolina already has a good framework in place to help, but that they need more help on efforts that can help victims recover and abusers be convicted.

Survivors of domestic violence or child abuse need more state aid, police and prosecutors say

Wake County Justice Center

Hundreds gathered Wednesday in downtown Raleigh to protest federal layoffs and cuts administered by the Department of Government Efficiency and the Trump administration.

'Down with DOGE' rally draws hundreds to downtown Raleigh, protesting federal cuts

WRAL Specialists

Protect yourself: BBB warns of those who pose as tax preparers

5 On Your Side: What do egg labels really mean?

Consumer Reports found potentially dangerous chemicals in synthetic braiding hair

Scam texts surge. Don't fall for it.

5 On Your Side

Troopers' credibility in question after chase, crash

Durham parent raises concerns about school district's handling of threat

Durham parent criticizes district response after her daughter was named in school threat

Wake County deputy's accused killer extradited back to US

Investigations

Tom Snyder: Local leadership key to economic and climate resilience

ReFiBuy launches with $1.7 million to revolutionize ecommerce with AI

Mike Walden: Why is the "r word" back?

Grace Ueng: Stress is the price of a meaningful life

WRAL TechWire

US wine shops and importers say Trump's threatened 200% tariff on European wines would kill demand

US inflation cooled last month, though trade war threatens to lift prices

Merck opens $1 billion vaccine manufacturing plant, expanding Durham site

Trump selects a new Tesla on White House driveway to show support for Elon Musk

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Durham family, community grieving death of 13-year-old girl

Family

Parents: First-grader forgotten at school was alone for hours

Discover the best indoor dog park in Raleigh, plus more dog-friendly places

New task force to dive into NC child care costs

Go Ask Dad: Futon meditation

18 HOT retail deals: Heavy Duty Garage Shelving Unit only $37.99 (reg. $109), Women's Ankle Boots only $12.99 (80% off), BJ's & Sam's Club Memberships only $20 (up to 75% off), Men's Flannel Pajama Pants only $3.99

SmartShopper

St. Patrick's Day 2025 restaurant deals and freebies

Amazon Deals: Surge Protector Power Strip with USB only $8.48 w/coupon, Electric Toothbrush with 8 brush heads only $7.99 w/coupon, No Touch Forehead Thermometer only $9.99 (50% off)

Top grocery deals valid March 12-18

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