Mother of Slain New Jersey Councilwoman Arrested Following Bail Denial for Suspected Killer
In a dramatic turn of events, the mother of a New Jersey councilwoman who was tragically shot and killed in February found herself in handcuffs on Monday. The arrest followed a judge’s decision to deny bail for the alleged perpetrator of the crime.
The suspect, Rashid Ali Bynum, a 29-year-old from Virginia, stands accused of driving to New Jersey in a rental car to carry out the shooting. The victim, Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was fatally shot while sitting in her car outside her home, with her 12-year-old daughter inside the house.
The case has deeply affected Dwumfour’s colleagues, family, and friends. Law enforcement spent months investigating the incident, ultimately leading them to Bynum, who resided over 300 miles away from the crime scene.
Accused Killer Arrested in Connection with New Jersey Councilwoman’s Murder
Authorities allege that Bynum approached Dwumfour’s vehicle on February 1 and fired multiple shots through the driver’s side window before fleeing into the darkness. However, during a recent court hearing, tension escalated as the victim’s mother engaged in a scuffle and was later removed from the courtroom in handcuffs.
Bynum had a prior connection to Dwumfour, having briefly been involved in her Bible study group, the Fire Congress Fellowship. The relationship soured for undisclosed reasons.
The two individuals had crossed paths in Virginia, and when Dwumfour returned to New Jersey, Bynum followed suit for a time. Subsequently, he distanced himself from the church and returned to his home state.
Seeking Justice for Slain Councilwoman
Eze Kings, Dwumfour’s husband, expressed his uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the incident. He encountered the suspect in person for the first time during the recent court appearance. Despite the tumultuous situation, Kings remains hopeful for justice. Meanwhile, Dwumfour’s mother is reportedly doing well after the altercation.
Dwumfour was a former EMT and pastor, known for her remarkable victory over a Democratic incumbent in the Sayreville Borough Council. The couple had recently wed, having met through their church while Kings resided in Nigeria.
Bynum was apprehended at his residence in Chesapeake City, Virginia, in May. His phone number was discovered in Dwumfour’s phone with the label “FCF,” representing the Fire Congress Fellowship.
This story contains contributions from the Associated Press.