Charles Ray Lilley, 51, of Ayden, North Carolina, was killed during a home invasion at his residence on NC Highway 903 South on January 30, 2022. Armed suspects broke into the home, stole several possessions and fatally shot Lilley; the assailants fled before deputies from the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office arrived.

A joint investigation by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department led to arrests of two Charlotte residents. Damian Lovelle Ross, 24, and Raven Moye, 21, were charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary, and larceny of a firearm. Authorities say the defendants are also linked to a string of shootings in the days after Lilley’s death. The investigation remains active and officials have urged anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew Charles Lilley or has information about the home invasion or the subsequent shootings, please contact the investigating agencies.