Bryan Alexis Arellano Ponce was a vibrant and ambitious 19-year-old with a radiant smile and boundless energy that could light up any room. Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Amadeo Ponce Zagada and Brenda Arellano Romero, Bryan was a young man of Hispanic / Latino heritage who was deeply devoted to his family. He treasured time with his parents and shared an unbreakable bond with his younger sister, Sofia, who he considered his best friend.
His ultimate goal was to become successful enough to provide for them, a dream that fueled his incredible work ethic.
Known for his genuine joy, Bryan frequently encouraged those around him to "be happy, be happy." He never met a stranger and was a fierce supporter of his friends. Though driven, he remained a kid at heart, full of life, singing in the shower, and enjoying friendly wagers. He had a sharp sense of style and famously preferred not to wear the same outfit twice, a trait that perfectly suited his entrepreneurial venture. Bryan had proudly built his own reselling business, selling clothes and shoes through social media. His family said he was just beginning to reach his peak, working hard to grow his business and become somebody. Beyond his work, he loved all kinds of music, attended concerts, traveled to Mexico, and had a lifelong affection for pizza. Beneath it all, he had a tender heart, especially for animals, often rescuing stray cats and finding them loving homes.
The evening of October 12, 2026, brought a tragic end to Bryan’s promising life. At approximately 6:24 p.m., deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about an unconscious person inside a vehicle on Spinks Road, just outside of Asheboro. As they were en route, they received an update that the person had a gunshot wound. First responders were already at the scene performing life-saving measures when deputies arrived. Despite their efforts, Bryan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting was handled by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. Detectives quickly identified a person of interest and, within a few days, obtained a murder warrant for 17-year-old Ka’Shaun Miguel Robinson, also of Asheboro. The sheriff’s office warned the public that Robinson had a history of violence and should be considered armed and dangerous. He was reportedly last seen in the Asheboro area on the evening of the shooting.
A search for the suspect ended on Friday, October 16, 2026, when Ka’Shaun Miguel Robinson was located and arrested in Greensboro by the Greensboro Police Department. Following his capture, Robinson was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Bryan’s death. He made his first appearance in a Guilford County courtroom on Tuesday, October 20. During the hearing, a judge appointed him temporary counsel until a public defender could be assigned to his case. If convicted, he could face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Bryan’s family was left in shock, struggling to comprehend the violent loss. "It feels like a dream, feels like a nightmare,” his aunt, Fabiola Arellano, told a reporter. His uncle, Juan Carlos Ponce Zagada, recalled the devastating phone call, saying, "They killed my son, man." They remembered Bryan as a light in their lives who was an entrepreneur just trying to grow his business. The family received friends for a visitation on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro to honor his memory.
As of October 2026, the criminal case against Ka’Shaun Miguel Robinson was in its early stages. His next court appearance was scheduled for November 10, 2026. The investigation by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office was considered ongoing. Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office at 336-318-6698 or Randolph County Crime Stoppers at 336-672-7463.
