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.
Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.