Bernice Pender, a 69-year-old woman from Youngsville, North Carolina, tragically lost her life in a drive-by shooting on the night of April 1, 2025. The incident occurred at a residence along Bert Winston Road, leaving her family and community in shock and mourning. Pender, a grandmother, was remembered fondly by her loved ones, who gathered for a memorial service at Kinches Chapel Christian Church in Franklinton. Her granddaughter, Jasmine Pender, expressed the family's devastation over the sudden and violent loss, stating that they were unprepared for such a tragedy.
Authorities swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting, leading to the arrests of two suspects on April 11, 2025. Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White announced that Jaquan Lynch, a 23-year-old from Durham, and Donavan Boyd, a 22-year-old from Warrenton, were taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pender’s death. The arrests were carried out with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Wake Forest Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
During the arrests, law enforcement officials discovered a significant cache of firearms, including assault rifles, a Diamondback Tactical Pistol, and an old-fashioned lever-action rifle. Among the seized weapons was a flamethrower, identified as a Pulsefire model designed for mounting under the barrel of a rifle. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation released images of the confiscated weapons, highlighting the alarming firepower involved in the case. Investigators also recovered dozens of spent shell casings and observed multiple bullet holes at the crime scene, underscoring the severity of the attack.
The community continues to grapple with the loss of Bernice Pender, a 69-year-old woman whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. Her family remains committed to seeking justice, while law enforcement officials work to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The arrests of Lynch and Boyd mark a significant step in the investigation, but the impact of Pender’s death will be felt for years to come.
