Raleigh, NC (August 26, 2025) — Authorities in Raleigh are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred during an attempted home invasion in the 6600 block of Lake Hill Drive. Police have identified the deceased as 25-year-old Julian David Kent, who was shot and killed by his accomplices during the incident.
Incident Details
The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded to a call regarding a shooting at approximately 4:57 a.m. on August 18, 2025. Officers found Kent suffering from a gunshot wound and transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from an attempted home invasion. During the event, gunfire erupted between the suspects, leading to Kent’s death at the scene.
RPD has since arrested two individuals connected to the home invasion: 20-year-old Cincere Henry Pugh and 19-year-old Javan Ryan Smith. Authorities report that all three suspects, including the deceased Kent, were linked to a similar incident in Knightdale that occurred on August 17–18, 2025.
Connection to Prior Crimes
In addition to the recent incidents, investigators discovered that Kent and Smith were connected to a rape that occurred on August 3, 2025, off Falls of Neuse Road. A third suspect, a 17-year-old juvenile, was also identified and has been arrested to face charges as an adult.
Charges Filed
Javan Ryan Smith is facing multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (2 counts)
- Conspiracy to AWDWIK (2 counts)
- Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
- Conspiracy to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
- First Degree Rape
- First Degree Kidnapping
- Forcible Sex Offense (1 count)
- Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)
- Additional charges from Knightdale PD
Cincere Henry Pugh faces similar charges, including:
- Murder
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (2 counts)
- Conspiracy to AWDWIK (2 counts)
- Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
- Conspiracy to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
- First Degree Rape
- Forcible Sex Offense (3 counts)
- Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)
- Additional charges from Knightdale PD
The 17-year-old juvenile has been charged with:
- First Degree Rape
- Forcible Sex Offense (3 counts)
- First Degree Kidnapping
- Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)
Statement from Chief of Police
Raleigh Police Chief Estella Boyce issued a statement saying:
“The loss of life is something no parent or friend should ever have to face, regardless of the cause. Violent crime will not be tolerated in our city, and this is a shared goal among neighboring agencies to ensure Wake County is safe for all. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to harm or exploit others: the Raleigh Police Department will do everything in its power to hold criminals accountable.”
Chief Boyce also expressed gratitude to the officers and detectives for their quick response and to the Knightdale Police Department for assisting in holding these individuals responsible.
Community Alert
The RPD urges anyone with information about these incidents to contact them at 919-996-3335
This remains an ongoing investigation, and authorities have stated that further details will be released as they become available.
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