WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. – A former Goldsboro principal has been found dead after being charged with the statutory rape of a 12-year-old girl on campus.

• Police in Goldsboro were searching for the former principal of Dillard Academy.
• Knight was charged with raping a 12-year-old girl at the school. 
• Dillard is holding a meeting for parents Monday at 6 p.m.

Richard Knight, 35, was the principal at Dillard Academy Charter School. He was on the run after being charged.

His body was found in a wooded area Friday, and died from an apparent self-inflicted injury. Deer cameras recorded Knight in the area early Friday morning. Pictures of him before his death can be found below. An autopsy is being done by the state medical examiner. 

Investigators say the rape took place during a closed-door meeting.

Dillard Academy will hold a board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday.