Stay up to date with WRAL’s Juvenile detention news and reporting coverage
Some of the state's top gang experts say more kids are joining gangs and committing more violent crimes.
New data shows juvenile crime may be trending upward in Wake and Durham counties.
A juvenile boy remains hospitalized in critical condition Sunday after being shot by his girlfriend, according to Rocky Mount Police.
Rocky Mount police have captured four teenagers who escaped from the Edgecombe Youth Development Center in Rocky Mount.
Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter
The radio traffic reveals Zane Cesnik jumped a fence in a recreation yard and ran into the woods. The 17-year-old faces a murder charge.
Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter
Authorities released new emergency 911 calls Wednesday of a teen's escape from a detention center. Zane Cesnik escaped Monday from the Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner. He escaped Monday from the Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner.
After escaping from the C.A. Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner, 17-year-old Zane Cesnik was taken into custody Monday around 10:05 p.m. at the intersection of Range Road and Roberts Chapel Road in Granville County.
WRAL staff
There is no doubt that gang violence, gang crime, is a problem, both nationwide and in North Carolina.
Cristin Severance, WRAL investigative documentary producer
The veto overrides come as state lawmakers are also voting on new constitutional amendments to put on the ballot this fall, plus other last-minute legislative priorities as the 2024 session winds down.
Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter
Republican state lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted to override three of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes Wednesday, sending them to the Senate for a final vote.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a measure Friday that would have ensured more young people accused of serious crimes be automatically tried in adult court, rather than the potential for some to remain in juvenile proceedings.
By GARY D. ROBERTSON, Associated Press
Law enforcement officers and former gang members candidly explain the lure of gang life and how young people are enticed to commit crimes on the gang's behalf.
Cristin Severance, WRAL investigative reporter/documentary producer
North Carolina House lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation that would automatically send 16- and 17-year-olds who commit violent crimes straight to adult court.
Cristin Severance, WRAL investigative reporter
Lawmakers voted to adjust the Raise the Age law. Many 16- and 17-year-olds will once again automatically be tried as adults in North Carolina.
Prosecutors and Republican state lawmakers want to roll back some of North Carolina's 'Raise The Age' juvenile justice changes. Advocates from civil liberties, racial justice and disability rights groups oppose the change.
Cristin Severance, WRAL News
WRAL Documentary Unit investigates the growing gang problem in North Carolina
WRAL Documentary uncovers the types of gangs operating in the state, the crimes they're committing, and how a recent change in North Carolina law is making it easier for gangs to recruit children.
State lawmakers are pushing to roll back landmark juvenile justice reforms, called the Raise The Age law, that passed with broad bipartisan support several years ago.
Youth development centers offer education, life and job skills and mental health support to juvenile offenders.
As the number of juvenile offenders climbs, the state is looking at alternatives crowded detention centers to make sure young people already convicted of crimes can turn their lives around.
Prosecutors and Republican state lawmakers want to roll back some of North Carolina's 'Raise The Age' juvenile justice changes. Their bill passed a Senate committee over opposition from advocates from civil liberties, racial justice and disability rights groups, as well as Democratic lawmakers.
Will Doran, WRAL News
North Carolina Republicans unveiled proposals Tuesday for a number of acts they wish to outlaw, including a bill targeted at people who use artificial intelligence to create sexualized images of people.
