Crime House Daily: First Watch – Firing Squad Execution & a Fugitive Grandson on the Run
Release Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Katie Ring
Episode Overview
In this “First Watch” morning update, host Katie Ring presents two gripping and timely cases:
- The controversial execution of Stephen Corey Bryant—sentenced to death by firing squad in South Carolina after a spree of murder, robbery, and violence.
- The ongoing manhunt for Dominic Liam Connolly—a North Carolina fugitive accused of brutally murdering his own grandmother and remaining at large, heightening community anxiety.
The episode contextualizes both cases within contemporary debates on capital punishment, mental health and justice procedure, and the practical and psychological impacts of an active fugitive on a community.
Case One: The Execution of Stephen Corey Bryant
Background and Crime Spree
[03:20] - [09:24]
-
Crimes detailed:
- Steven Corey Bryant, 23 at the time, went on a week-long crime spree in October 2004 shortly after leaving prison.
- Started by scamming and robbing isolated homes in rural Sumter County, South Carolina.
- Escalated quickly from property crimes to shooting Clinton Brown (who survived), and then to murder—killing his friend Cliff Ganey, acquaintance Willard Teigen, and later, Chris Burgess.
-
Notable methodologies:
- Used friendly, “neighborly” pretenses to case or access homes (fake car troubles).
- Carried out disturbingly methodical violence—burning cigarettes into victims’ eyes, defiling bodies, and scrawling blood messages on walls.
Quote:
"Bryant stayed in the house…for hours after killing him. First, he stole some jewelry…then he smoked some cigarettes he found in the house, rearranged their furniture, and used their computer. When Bryant was done smoking, he burned the cigarettes into Willard's eyes…"
—Katie Ring, [09:24]
- Arrest and Evidence:
- Video evidence, ballistic matches, and witness accounts pointed authorities to Bryant.
- Arrested the day he killed Chris Burgess; confessed almost immediately.
- Charged with three counts of murder, burglary, arson, robbery, among other crimes.
The Legal Battle & Execution
[09:24] - [15:40]
-
Defense arguments:
- Bryant’s attorneys referenced a traumatic childhood, abuse, PTSD, drug abuse, and likely fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) that went undiagnosed before trial.
- Contended that Bryant was too mentally impaired to fully understand his actions or stand trial for execution.
-
Prosecution stance:
- Killings were methodically planned; Bryant’s personal history did not negate his culpability.
- Judge sided with prosecution; Bryant sentenced to death (2008), life for two other murders.
Quote:
"Bryant's lawyer argued...he suffered from PTSD and self medicated with drugs and alcohol, which impaired his thinking as he carried out his killing spree. But the prosecution argued that the killings had been methodical and premeditated..."
—Katie Ring, [09:24]
- Execution details:
- South Carolina resumed executions after a 13-year hiatus due to lethal injection drug shortages.
- Bryant was offered a choice (lethal injection, electric chair, firing squad) and chose firing squad.
- Executed on November 14, 2025, at 6:05pm. No final statement. Final wish, relayed by his attorney: "that nobody like him who needed help was ever denied because they couldn't afford it."
Public Reaction & Broader Debate
[15:40] - [17:38]
- Family presence & silence:
- Victims’ families observed but refrained from public statements immediately after the execution.
- Broader issues raised:
- Renewed debates about humane execution methods and mental health in the justice system.
Memorable moment:
"Bryant became the seventh person executed in South Carolina in 14 months, following a 13-year pause in executions due to supply issues with lethal injection drugs."
—Katie Ring, [15:30]
Case Two: The Fugitive Grandson, Dominic Liam Connolly
The Crime and Escape
[17:38] - [22:00]
- October 25, 2025: Patricia Lopedote, 72, found murdered and her home set on fire in Havelock, Craven County, NC.
- Suspect: Grandson Dominic Liam Connolly, 24.
- Motive: Authorities still unsure—no cause/manner of death released.
- Manhunt launched: Connolly immediately became the target of a multi-agency pursuit with drones, helicopters, canines, planes.
The Search and Community Impact
[22:00] - [25:54]
- Physical evidence:
- Patricia's stolen car found abandoned near a baseball field.
- Connolly escapes law enforcement:
- Four days post-crime, spotted at a Bojangles in Vanceboro (40 miles away); when police confronted him, Connolly stabbed an officer and fled.
- Officer survived, but Connolly vanished.
Quote:
"Connolly pulled out a knife and stabbed one of their arresting officers. Fortunately, that officer is expected to fully recover…but unfortunately, Connolly got away in the scuffle."
—Katie Ring, [21:44]
-
Rewards and Risks:
- FBI doubled reward to $10,000.
- Area schools were shut, local festivals canceled; heavy advisories for residents to lock up, avoid aiding the fugitive.
-
Social media complications:
- Facebook posts misreported sightings, fueling panic and misinformation.
- Law enforcement both posted updates and urged against “online fear mongering.”
Quote:
“The situation has gotten pretty scary. Local schools were shut down on October 31, with the sheriff recommending they remain closed until Connally is located. Residents are advised to lay low and local festivals have even been canceled.”
—Katie Ring, [24:50]
-
Current status:
- Over 3,000 acres and 500 structures searched, but Connolly remains at large.
- Sheriff’s department pleads with public to report credible tips and not intervene.
-
Law enforcement plea:
“We will not stop. We are asking you to end this peacefully now, for your own safety and for the safety of the public and our officers. Do not make this situation worse. Your safest option is to turn yourself in.”
—Corporal Kelly Cox (Craven County Crime Stoppers), [23:40]
Key Takeaways / Closing Thoughts
- Capital Punishment Debate: The execution of Stephen Corey Bryant by firing squad reignites questions about humane execution, the role of mental health in sentencing, and evolving state policies on capital punishment.
- Community Safety and Vigilance: The Connolly manhunt highlights the resource intensity of capturing fugitives, the fragility of public safety in incidents involving family violence, and both the benefits and pitfalls of social media in active investigations.
- Memorable close:
“What did you think of today’s cases? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments…Because the pursuit of justice never stops.”
—Katie Ring, [25:54]
Important Timestamps
- [03:20] Start of Stephen Corey Bryant crime description
- [09:24] Discussion of legal proceedings and mental health defenses
- [15:30] Bryant’s execution and aftermath
- [17:38] Introduction of the Connolly manhunt case
- [21:44] Connolly stabs officer & escapes
- [23:40] Law enforcement public plea for Connolly’s surrender
- [24:50] Effect of manhunt on local community
For Listeners
- If you have tips on the Connolly case: Contact the Craven County Sheriff’s office at (252) 636-6620 or dial 911.
- Follow Crime House Daily for ongoing coverage and real-time updates.
This episode provides harrowing insight into the very real impact of violent crime and the challenges of seeking justice in contemporary America.