Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Press Release Re: Wanted Murder Suspect J.A.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 – 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝟏𝟑-𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑-𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday, October 30, 2025, at approximately 9:20 a.m., Deputies responded to the 100 block of Pearce Place, Raeford, North Carolina, in reference to a well-being check. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by a second caller that a female had been located inside the residence and was unresponsive.
EMS and Rescue personnel arrived on scene and pronounced the victim, Ms. Connie Linen, age 68, deceased. Detectives immediately began canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified 13-year-old (J.A.) as the suspect responsible for the homicide. J.A. is the grandson of Ms. Linen. Working in coordination with the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office, secured-custody paperwork was completed charging J.A. with First-Degree Murder.
With the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, and Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement located the juvenile in Lee County, North Carolina.
At the request of the involved agencies, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a separate investigation into the circumstances of apprehension.
Sheriff Roderick Virgil shared, “This has been a tragic and emotional situation for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Linen, as well as the family of the juvenile. We ask that our community come together with compassion and understanding as we all process this difficult event.”
During an investigation, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that accurate and verified information is release to the public. Our goal is to provide transparency while avoiding the released of premature or misleading details that could interfere with the integrity of the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to ensure that no misinformation is disseminated.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective K. Locklear at 910-875-5111.
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