A brutal group assault on a young Black male in Lenoir County, caught in a video that circulated online, has led to three arrests and a broader juvenile probe, according to local authorities. Investigators say the attack happened on May 24 and left the victim unconscious with facial injuries, a chipped tooth and broken blood vessels in one eye. The clip, shared inside a private Facebook group, sparked a criminal investigation once deputies became aware of it.
By June 19, officials said three suspects and several juveniles had been identified and charged in connection with the incident. Ashton Clark, 18, faces felony assault by strangulation and conspiracy charges and was released on a $50,000 bond. Landon Harris, 19, was charged with cyberbullying and conspiracy and was released on a $2,500 bond. A 17-year-old was charged with felony assault by strangulation and conspiracy and was taken to a juvenile detention facility. According to Spectrum News, six other juveniles are expected to face charges including assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and conspiracy.
"I have worked in law enforcement for more than 34 years and I firmly believe that the law applies equally to everyone," Sheriff Jackie Rogers wrote, explaining that he has asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to review how the case was handled. Rogers also said a relative of his wife's family is among the suspects, though he clarified that a girl seen punching the victim is not his niece and will be charged, the sheriff's office said. In a statement on the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, Rogers urged residents to allow investigators to do their work and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Investigators say the probe began after a "disturbing video" was shared in a private Facebook group called Word of Mouth Kinston. The victim and his father reported the assault to deputies on June 15. The sheriff's office identified the victim as an African American male but said that, at this stage of the investigation, the assault does not appear to be racially motivated. According to Spectrum News, officials had identified all the suspects by Thursday afternoon.
Charges and Court Records
Court filings list the charges and bond amounts for the adult suspects and show that the juvenile was placed in custody pending further action. Local register entries indicate Clark posted a $50,000 bond and Harris posted a $2,500 bond, and that formal filings are being processed through the Lenoir County clerk of court. The official Register of Actions for Lenoir County is available online, and court records provide the detailed charges and bond information.
Race, Oversight and Next Steps
The sheriff's statement said race does not appear to be a factor in the assault, though the circulating video has stirred concern in the community and raised questions about how quickly and thoroughly the case was pursued. With the North Carolina SBI reviewing the investigation and multiple juveniles potentially facing felony counts, prosecutors and sheriff's investigators will decide whether additional charges are appropriate. In a post on the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, authorities asked anyone with information or video to contact deputies so investigators can confirm the timeline and identify all participants.
As the case moves through court and the SBI review continues, the criminal process for adults and the juvenile process for those under 18 will determine what charges ultimately stand and how prosecutors proceed. Officials say the investigation remains active and that community tips could be critical in confirming exactly who was involved. For now, deputies and the county clerk's office will handle filings and arraignments while the evidence is reviewed.
