GOLDSBORO, NC — Acharter school principal accused of raping a 12-year-old student has been found dead, police say.
On November 15th, officers responded to a sexual assault call in the 300 block of Seymour Drive in Goldsboro, NC. Upon arrival, officers learned of a sexual relationship between the juvenile victim and an adult offender. The alleged sexual contact occurred at the victim’s school, Dillard Academy, located in Goldsboro, NC.
The Investigations Division responded to the complaint and initiated an investigation into the allegations.During the probe, a warrant for Statutory Rape, A Sex Act with a Student, and Indecent Liberties with a Student was secured on Richard Omar Knight of Smithfield, NC. Knight was the principal at Dillard Academy during the time of the criminal offenses.
Knight fled and was wanted by police.
The next day, Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that they located Knight in a wooded area within their jurisdiction. Knight was found deceased of an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Knight has been sent to the Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Family notification was made after Orange County officials confirmed Knight’s identity.
The investigation into the allegations made regarding Mr. Knight remain under investigation.
