Bernice Pender, 69, was killed in a drive-by shooting at a home on Bert Winston Road in Youngsville, North Carolina, on the night of April 1, 2025. Family recalled her as a grandmother and held a memorial service at Kinches Chapel Christian Church in Franklinton; her granddaughter Jasmine Pender described the family’s devastation at the sudden, violent loss.

Investigators found dozens of spent shell casings and multiple bullet holes at the scene. Authorities announced arrests on April 11, 2025: Jaquan Lynch, 23, of Durham, and Donavan Boyd, 22, of Warrenton, were charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pender’s death. Law enforcement recovered an arsenal of weapons during the arrests, including assault rifles, a Diamondback Tactical Pistol, a lever-action rifle, and a Pulsefire model flamethrower meant to mount under a rifle barrel.

Anyone who knew Bernice, saw activity on Bert Winston Road that night, or has information about the shooting is asked to share what they know.