Wake Forest, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Ericka Ruffin Lucas, a beloved former principal at Rolesville High School, tragically passed away at 56 following a shooting incident in Wake Forest. Community members are in shock as they remember her dedication to fostering a positive school environment. The suspects involved, including an 18-year-old and a juvenile, have been charged with murder. Lucas, who served as principal until 2016, left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues, and the community is rallying to support her family during this difficult time.
Wake Forest
Ericka Ruffin Lucas, a former principal at Rolesville High School, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 56 after being shot on August 29 in Wake Forest. The shooting incident occurred on East Nelson Avenue, and although Lucas suffered critical injuries, she fought for her life following the attack.
The tragic event has shocked the local community, especially those who knew Lucas through her educational career. Lucas had been the principal of Rolesville High School from its establishment in 2013 until she left after the school’s first graduating class in 2016. During her tenure, she was recognized for her commitment to developing a positive and inclusive school environment.
At the time of the shooting, Lucas was not the intended target; the gunfire was meant for another individual involved in the incident. A 16-year-old suspect was arrested soon after the shooting and charged with previous crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. On Tuesday, police arrested 18-year-old Dexter Lamont Mills, who has also been charged with murder. Both Mills and the juvenile suspect now face serious charges related to the shooting, though the identities of the minors are not being disclosed.
Community members have rallied to support the Lucas family in the aftermath of the shooting, showing their respects during a Wake Forest High School football game shortly after the incident. Sierra Smith, a former student of Lucas, commended her efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere at Rolesville High School, highlighting her dedication as an educator.
Investigation efforts continue as local law enforcement seeks to uncover further details of the shooting. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to reach out to the police tip line at 919-435-9610.
Before her role at Rolesville High, Lucas made significant contributions at the East Wake School of Arts, Education and Global Studies, where she was a finalist for Wake County’s Principal of the Year in 2012. Her educational journey included earning a bachelor’s degree from Elizabeth City State University and a master’s degree in school administration from N.C. State.
Following her departure from her principal role, Lucas shifted her focus towards spending quality time with her family, marking a poignant chapter in both her personal and professional life up until her unexpected and tragic death.
Key Details
- Name: Ericka Ruffin Lucas
- Age: 56
- Date of Shooting: August 29
- Date of Death: September 5
- Suspects: Dexter Lamont Mills (18), 16-year-old juvenile
- Charges: Murder, Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill (for juvenile)
Background Information
Ericka Lucas dedicated her career to education, influencing the lives of many students. After serving as principal at Rolesville High, a position she held until 2016, she chose to spend more quality time with her family. Her legacy is cemented through her contributions to the school community and her positive influence on students and staff alike.
FAQ
What happened to Ericka Lucas?
Ericka Lucas was shot in Wake Forest on August 29 and succumbed to her injuries on September 5.
Who was charged in the shooting?
Dexter Lamont Mills, 18, and a juvenile suspect have been charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
What was Ericka Lucas known for?
She was known for her role as principal at Rolesville High School and for fostering a positive school culture.
What was the community’s response?
The community has expressed its support for the Lucas family, especially at local high school events shortly after the incident.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Ericka Ruffin Lucas |
| Age | 56 |
| Date of Shooting | August 29 |
| Date of Death | September 5 |
| Community Impact | Positive influence on school culture |
| Suspects | Dexter Lamont Mills (18), Juvenile |
| Charges | Murder, Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill (juvenile) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WRAL News
- Google Search: Ericka Lucas shooting
- CBS17 News
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Education
- News Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ericka Lucas
- Wake Weekly
- Google News: Ericka Lucas
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
