Rodnee Bowman Pleads Guilty to Murder

Rodnee Rayshaun Bowman, a 21-year-old man from Asheville, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on August 11, 2024, for the shooting death of 24-year-old Jailyn Dumari Morton in February 2020. The incident occurred at Hillcrest Apartments, following a fistfight in which Morton, who was not involved, attempted to intervene. After the fight, an argument erupted between Morton and Bowman, leading Bowman to draw a 9mm pistol and shoot Morton in the chest. Surveillance footage captured Bowman fleeing the scene, while Morton succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. Initially charged as a juvenile, Bowman was transferred to adult court for prosecution; he has been sentenced to serve 12 to 15 years in prison. The victim's mother expressed satisfaction with the court's decision during the sentencing hearing.