Crime
Franklin County Woman (Crystal L. Pence) Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting of Brother
Franklin County Woman Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting of Brother
Brookville, IN – A Franklin County woman has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her brother in the early hours of December 12, 2024. Crystal L. Pence, 29, is accused of shooting her brother, Ronald Pence, 32, in the chest at her apartment in Brookville.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Indiana State Police, Crystal Pence called 911 at approximately 1:40 a.m. to report that she had shot her brother. During the call, she allegedly stated that her brother had asked her to shoot him and that she complied with his request.
Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and officers from the Brookville Police Department responded to the scene, where they discovered Ronald Pence with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities recovered two handguns from the bedroom where the shooting took place.
Details of the Incident
During questioning at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Crystal Pence reportedly told investigators that she and her brother had been out at several local bars earlier in the evening. She stated that Ronald had expressed feelings of sadness and made suicidal comments throughout the night.
After returning to her apartment, Ronald allegedly asked to see their late father’s handgun, which Crystal kept in a small safe. She told investigators that she unlocked the safe, allowing Ronald to load the gun with a single round of ammunition. He then handed the loaded gun to Crystal and asked her to shoot him. Crystal admitted to aiming the gun at her brother’s chest and firing one shot.
Evidence Collected
A search warrant executed at the apartment led to the recovery of a 9mm handgun that Crystal identified as the weapon used in the shooting. Investigators are working to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.
Current Status
Crystal Pence was arrested and booked into the Franklin County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder. The case is ongoing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
This tragic incident has raised questions about mental health support and the devastating consequences of untreated emotional distress. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available to provide help and support.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |