A New Jersey jury has found Rashid Ali Bynum guilty of murdering Republican councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, marking a pivotal moment in the case that shocked the local community. The conviction was announced on Monday, with Bynum now facing a prison sentence of 30 years to life. The sentencing date has been set for August 18, as Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone prepares to hand down the punishment.
Eunice Dwumfour, a 30-year-old first-time Black member of the Sayreville city council, was a prominent figure in her community. Her role on the Human Relations Commission highlighted her commitment to serving at-risk communities. She was also a former EMT, IT consultant, and active in various nonprofit groups. Her murder on February 1, 2023, left the community in mourning, as she was known for her dedication to public service and community outreach.
Bynum, who was once a member of Dwumfour’s congregation, had a long history of criminal behavior. Court records reveal his involvement in fraud, forgery, and theft dating back to 2013. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon in Virginia, resulting in three years’ probation. His criminal past included additional firearms charges in Maryland in 2019. Despite his history, Bynum was previously involved in the local church, where he served as a pastor around 2018 until his last connection with Dwumfour.
The investigation into Dwumfour’s murder led to her arrest in late May in Virginia, where he was transferred to New Jersey for the trial. The crime scene was revealed through 911 calls, which provided an eyewitness account of a man wearing black fleeing on foot. The details of the shooting, which occurred at her home, underscore the tragic nature of the crime, highlighting the need for improved security and community support for public officials.
Dwumfour’s husband, Peter Akwue, also a pastor based in Africa, confirmed that he had never met Bynum, emphasizing the surprise and shock of the attack. The case has sparked discussions about the safety of public officials and the impact of criminal records on individuals’ lives. As the trial concludes, the community awaits the sentencing of Bynum, a verdict that will reflect the seriousness of the crime and the justice system’s response to such a tragic event.