Julian David Kent Obituary, Death; Man dies a week after Raleigh apartment shooting, police report
Julian David Kent Obituary, Death – A Raleigh man who was seriously injured in a shooting last week has died, according to the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) on Tuesday. The victim, 25-year-old Julian David Kent, was shot just before 5 a.m. in the 6600 block of Lake Hill Drive. He succumbed to his injuries days after the incident.
Investigators determined that the shooting occurred during an attempted home invasion. Kent, along with two others, tried to forcibly enter an apartment when gunfire broke out. Kent was shot by his own companions, though police have not specified whether the shooting was accidental. The incident is part of a broader criminal investigation that has uncovered multiple alleged offenses linked to the individuals involved.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident: 20-year-old Cincere Henry Pugh and 19-year-old Javan Ryan Smith. Authorities said that Kent, Pugh, and Smith were also tied to a similar home invasion in Knightdale on the night of August 17. These incidents indicate a pattern of criminal activity that has drawn law enforcement attention across multiple jurisdictions.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce expressed sorrow over the loss of life. “The loss of life is something no parent or friend should ever have to face, regardless of the cause,” Boyce said. He emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring safety in Raleigh and holding violent offenders accountable. Boyce also thanked the Knightdale Police Department for their assistance in addressing the series of crimes linked to Kent, Pugh, and Smith.
In addition to the home invasions, Kent and Smith were connected to a separate rape case that occurred on August 3 in the 130000 block of Falls of Neuse Road. Police reported that a third suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was also involved in that case and has been arrested; he will face charges as an adult.
The charges brought against the two adult suspects are extensive. Pugh faces murder, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree rape, three counts of forcible sex offenses, and two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges from the Knightdale Police Department are also pending.
Smith faces similar charges, including murder, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit assault, attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, multiple counts of forcible sex offenses, and two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. He too faces additional charges from Knightdale authorities.
The 17-year-old juvenile faces charges including first-degree rape, three counts of forcible sex offenses, first-degree kidnapping, and two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.
RPD continues to investigate all related incidents and urges anyone with information to contact the department at (919) 996-3335 or submit tips through Crimestoppers online. Authorities emphasize that public cooperation is essential in helping ensure justice and preventing further criminal activity.
