WBTW

NC principal sought for statutory rape of 12-year-old student found dead

OLDSBORO, N.C. (WNCN) – The principal of a Wayne County charter school, who was wanted on charges related to a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old female student, was found dead in Orange County, officials said Monday.

Richard Omar Knight’s body was found in woods in Orange County on Friday around 3:45 p.m., deputies said.

Knight died from “an apparent self-inflicted injury” and was discovered by hunters, news releases Monday afternoon said.

Knight, of Smithfield, was wanted for statutory rape, sex act with a child, and indecent liberties charges. The 35-year-old “was the principal at Dillard Academy during the time of the criminal offenses,” the release read.

Knight was suspended, the release said.

Goldsboro police officers responded to a sexual assault call Thursday afternoon. The release said the “sexual contact occurred at the victim’s school, Dillard Academy.”

A warrant was obtained Friday for the three charges against Knight. “Management at Dillard Academy fully cooperated” with the investigation, the release said. 

Orange County officials said that two hunters called 911 after they found Knight’s body in woods along the 5400 block of West Ten Road in Mebane.

A video camera set up by the hunters recorded Knight around 12:35 a.m. Friday, Orange County officials said.

“He is alone in the video and appears to be carrying a blanket,” an Orange County news release said.

Knight’s car was later found at the Petro Mart on Buckhorn Road. Orange County officials said that “no foul play is suspected.”

Orange County authorities said that Knight’s body was identified Monday morning using “comparison photographs.”

Officials said Monday that the investigation into the allegations made against Knight will remain under investigation.

Dillard Academy isn’t affiliated with the Wayne County Public School System.