Nationwide — Five teenagers and two adults in Lenoir County, North Carolina, reportedly all white, face charges after authorities say they attacked an African American teenage boy. Video of the assault spread online and led police to open an investigation.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office said deputies reviewed footage that appeared in a Facebook community group called “Word of Mouth Kinston.” Sheriff Jackie Rogers confirmed the case began after the video circulated online and drew public attention.
In the video, one teen, identified as 18-year-old Ashton Clark, appears shirtless and flexing toward the camera. Another teen is then shown holding an object while someone off-camera asks what it is, and the teen responds, “A weapon.”
The footage then shows a girl striking the Black teenager, who runs away. Several teens chase him, and Clark later appears holding him in a chokehold while others shout phrases including “Put him to sleep” and “Put him down.”
According to WNCT, investigators said they do not currently believe the attack was racially motivated. They said the incident may have been arranged by the victim’s ex-girlfriend after a breakup, and noted the victim did not raise race as a factor. Officials added they will continue reviewing the case if new evidence emerges.
The victim’s family reported the attack weeks after it occurred. A school resource officer at North Lenoir High School had already been alerted earlier and began interviewing students as part of the investigation.
Family members told local reporters the 16-year-old victim suffered several injuries, including broken teeth and ruptured blood vessels. They also said a glass bottle was used during the assault.
The NAACP in Kinston responded to the case, saying no child should experience that kind of violence and that the family deserves support as the investigation continues.
Authorities charged Clark and another teen as adults. Clark was booked into jail on charges including assault by strangulation and conspiracy, with a bond set at $50,000. Sheriff Rogers also noted that one suspect is a relative by marriage, but said all individuals are being treated equally under the law. Other teens involved face juvenile charges.
The victim has since left the area while the case remains ongoing.