NEW BERN – District Attorney Scott Thomas released the following statement: “Defendant Dakota Wright had his felony first appearance in Craven County District Court Wednesday morning. He was advised of the pending criminal charges against him and the highest potential punishment for each charge. The murder charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Wright also applied for and received the assignment of a court appointed attorney. His next court date is July 28. I am working closely with the New Bern Police Department as they continue their investigation of these crimes of violence. We are building a strong case that will be presented in court at the appropriate time. Our thoughts are with the victims of these crimes and their families. We appreciate the assistance of many citizens who observed these crimes as they occurred.”
Ironically, just a day earlier near the grounds of the same Courthouse, Wright is alleged to have shot brothers Jordan Andre McDaniels, age 23; and Jaheem Dashawn McDaniels, age 21. The older brother died. The younger man was transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville
New Bern Chief of Police Patrick Gallagher said in a statement that Wright apparently knew the McDaniels brothers. Based upon that evidence, Gallagher stressed “it appears this shooting was not a random act of violence.”
