News Summary

Ericka Ruffin Lucas, a beloved former principal at Rolesville High School, was fatally shot in Wake Forest during a violent incident. The gunfire, aimed at another individual, caught Lucas in the crossfire. A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested, while 18-year-old Dexter Lamont Mills has been charged with murder. The community mourns the loss of Lucas, who was known for her positive impact on students and education.

Wake Forest – Ericka Ruffin Lucas, a 56-year-old former principal of Rolesville High School, died on Tuesday after being shot in a violent incident that occurred on August 29 in Wake Forest. The shocking shooting took place on East Nelson Avenue and has left the local community in mourning.

Reports indicate that the gunfire that injured Lucas was not intended for her. The victim was caught in a crossfire aimed at a different individual. In the wake of this incident, law enforcement apprehended a 16-year-old suspect who has since been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Following the investigation, an 18-year-old named Dexter Lamont Mills was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder, as both suspects now face serious charges related to the shooting.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to reach out to their tip line at 919-435-9610. It has been confirmed that the names of the minors involved in this incident will not be released due to their age.

Ericka Lucas’s Legacy

Ericka Lucas served as the principal of Rolesville High School from its opening in 2013 until 2016, shortly after the school celebrated its first graduating class. Following her tenure, she transitioned away from her role at the school to devote more time to her family. Lucas continued to make an impact in education, previously working at the East Wake School of Arts, Education and Global Studies. Her efforts earned her recognition as a finalist for Wake County’s Principal of the Year in 2012.

Lucas was well-regarded for her commitment to creating a positive school culture, fostering an inclusive environment that made students feel welcomed and supported. Community members have expressed their condolences and remembered her contributions to the educational community, particularly at a recent Wake Forest High School football game where supporters gathered to honor her name.

Community Impact

In the wake of the tragic incident, former students, including Sierra Smith, have reflected on Lucas’s positive influence, citing her dedication to ensuring that each student felt valued during her time as principal. Her legacy is characterized by the memorable experiences shared by those she mentored and guided throughout her career.

Lucas’s husband, Reggie Lucas, serves as the head football coach at Wake Forest High School. The family is now navigating the aftermath of this devastating situation and its profound impact on their lives and the community.

Continued Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Both Mills and the minor suspect face severe legal consequences as the case unfolds, reflecting the gravity of the situation that led to the tragic loss of Ericka Lucas.

As details emerge regarding the shooter’s motives and the events leading to the violence, the community remains united in their grief, remembering Lucas not only as an educator but also as a caring individual who impacted the lives of many young people in Wake Forest and beyond. The loss of Ericka Lucas is deeply felt, serving as a sobering reminder of the issues surrounding gun violence that many communities face today.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana

Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Former Principal in Wake Forest