North Carolina
A dolphin was decapitated in North Carolina. NOAA is offering a reward for any information.
Editor’s note. The contents of this story may be disturbing to some readers.
A bottlenose dolphin was found decapitated in North Carolina, and federal officials are offering up to $20,000 for information related to its death.
A citizen reported the deceased dolphin on April 15, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service. The carcass was recovered from Lea-Hutaff Island, an uninhabited area about 20 miles north of Wilmington.
NOAA said when responders located the marine mammal, “its head had been removed.”
Decapitation violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, officials say
According to the agency, officials believe the dolphin was dismembered between April 16 and 18.
A necropsy was performed, and NOAA reported that they suspect the dolphin had brucella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria can cause brucellosis, a disease that can spread through contact with contaminated animals.
“This animal was intentionally decapitated, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” the agency said. “The remote location where the dolphin was found adds to the difficulty of investigating this incident and the cause of death. We are calling on your help to find those responsible.”
The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement is offering a $20,000 reward for information “leading to criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.” Anyone with information is encouraged to call 800-853-1964.
Man decapitates sea lion in California
There was another similar case that recently made headlines. In March, NOAA announced a $20,000 reward for a man accused of decapitating a sea lion in Northern California.
The agency said the animal was found dead last Christmas at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, and the suspect was seen using “a black 8-inch knife to remove the sea lion’s head, placing it in a clear plastic bag, and riding away” on an electric bike.
Contributing: Gareth McGrath, Wilmington StarNews, Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
North Carolina
Damaged Flock camera in North Carolina town sparks online debate over surveillance tech
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WLOS) — A damaged Flock Safety camera in Rutherfordton has reignited debate over the use of license plate reader technology, with thousands weighing in online after police shared a photo of the vandalized device.
The Rutherfordton Police Department posted an image of the damaged camera on social media, where the post quickly gained more than 20,000 comments. While some users condemned the vandalism, others praised the person responsible, with comments including “Not all heroes wear capes” and “Give them a medal.”
Local law enforcement officials said there is too much misinformation online about the cameras.
FLOCK CAMERA DAMAGED IN NORTH CAROLINA TOWN, PROMPTING POLICE STATEMENT
“We’re seeing a lot of misconceptions that these cameras collect more data than they actually do,” said Capt. Ryan Bailey with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. “The camera itself is only capturing the vehicle traveling down the road.”
Bailey said Flock cameras do not record video. Instead, they take still images of passing vehicles and capture license plate information. According to the sheriff’s office, those images are automatically deleted after 30 days.
The department also says safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the system. Deputies are required to enter a case number before searching the database, allowing administrators to audit searches and ensure the technology is being used appropriately.
JULY 8, 2026 – A Flock camera in Rutherford County, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
Despite those protections, opinions among residents remain divided.
“I don’t like that idea at all because of the over-abundance of electronics and interference in our privacy,” Rutherfordton resident Rachel Alexander said.
Others believe the cameras are a valuable investigative tool.
“I have no really negative opinion with them. I think they’re really helpful, especially with criminals and children abductions,” said local homeowner Phyllis Irvine.
POLL: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FLOCK CAMERAS?
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office says the cameras have also proven useful in locating vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disabilities who may have gone missing while driving.
Officials say the technology has become an important resource for investigations and emergency response across the county.
Flock cameras cost about $3,500 each. Law enforcement officials say anyone caught intentionally damaging one could face charges.
North Carolina
North Carolina Republican operative shaping the state’s early voting plans is reassigned
North Carolina state Auditor Dave Boliek has reassigned a staffer working on state election preparations following reporting illustrating how the longtime Republican operative was using his position to shape county’s early voting plans.
North Carolina
North Carolina man accused of shooting and killing another tourist inside of a Broward Airbnb, police say
A Fourth of July trip to South Florida ended in tragedy after a 21-year-old North Carolina man was shot and killed inside a Hollywood Airbnb, according to police.
Investigators say Jaydon Williams, 21, was shot multiple times early Saturday morning at a vacation rental in the 1900 block of Funston Street. Hollywood police have arrested 21-year-old Devian Blount, also of North Carolina, and charged him with first-degree murder.
Officers responded to the home around 1 a.m. Saturday, following reports of a shooting. They arrived to find Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he died.
According to the arrest report, Williams was on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. She told investigators she heard someone accuse Williams of stealing, followed by a verbal argument and several gunshots.
The incident has left neighbors shaken in the typically quiet Hollywood community. While some residents noted they were aware that the home operated as a short-term rental, others expressed concerns about the property’s transient nature.
“That’s a bad idea to me to have an Airbnb in this neighborhood where so many people and kids live,” said neighbor Dorell Green. “Different types of people come and go. You don’t know who is coming or leaving.”
Ivette Santana, another resident, said her primary concern is the violence. “I don’t care about the Airbnb,” Santana said. “My problem is the shooting over there.”
Blount is being held without bond at the Broward County Jail.
CBS News Miami has contacted Airbnb to determine if the property remains in operation. We are also working to contact the property’s owners.
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